Shamed Smith feels the heat

Steve Smith’s future as Australian cricket captain remains in jeopardy despite standing down as skipper of Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals as the furore surrounding cricket’s latest ball-tampering row deepens.

Smith said he had taken the decision “in the best interest” of the IPL franchise ahead of the new season, which starts next week.

The 28-year-old’s future as leader of the national team is under intense scrutiny as investigations continue into events during Australia’s third Test defeat against South Africa in Cape Town.