David Warner steps down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain following ball-tampering scandal
Australian batsman was sent home from the tour of South Africa alongside Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft
DAVID WARNER has stepped down as Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.
The move comes two days after Aussie captain Steve Smith, 28, relinquished his role as Rajasthan Royals leader.
Sunrisers CEO said K Shanmugam: "In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
"The new captain of the team will be announced shortly."
Australian cricket has been rocked after Cameron Bancroft, 25, was found using tape to alter the state of the ball in a bad-tempered series against South Africa.
Skipper Smith and vice-captain Warner, 31, both agreed to stand down from their roles for the fourth day of the Third Test, which the Proteas won.
The experienced duo and Bancroft were sent home by following the match and are awaiting punishment from Cricket Australia.
Many commentators have called for the book to be thrown at them.
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But England great Kevin Pietersen wants to see the trio dealt with fairly - hinting that other guilty parties had so far dodged blame.
He tweeted: "I’ve woken up this morning actually gutted for Smith, Warner & Bancroft.
"Yes they were involved and will be sanctioned but I’m afraid they weren’t the only ones(& I don’t think anyone else believes they were)... I hope they get a fair trial."
Pietersen also mocked suggestions coach Darren Lehmann had no idea about the ball tampering, posting a series of emojis to make his point.