Ranking the 5 worst cricket controversies since 2000

#3 When Australia planned to indulge in ball tampering

Both players will miss the last Test at Johannesburg

The most recent controversy of the lot, Australian opener Cameron Bancroft was caught on-camera trying to alter the condition of the ball, using sandpaper

At the press conference at the end of the third day's play of the third Test between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town, skipper Steve Smith admitted that it was a planned course of action masterminded by a 'leadership group' within the side.

The following day, Smith and David Warner stood down as the captain and the vice-captain of the side. The former was handed a one-match ban along with being docked 100 percent of his match fee while Bancroft was charged 75 percent of his match fee with three demerit points.

In a press conference, addressed by Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland, he said all three players- Smith, Warner and Bancroft- would depart for home ahead of the last game while Tim Paine will lead the side in the match. Glenn Maxwell, Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw will replace the trio in the tournament.