Steven Smith and David Warner could be hit with life bans by Cricket Australia

What's the story?

While Steven Smith may have gotten away with a one-Test ban from the ICC for the part he played in the ball-tampering controversy on Day 3 of the third Test between South Africa and Australia at Cape Town, he could be in a for a much sterner punishment from Cricket Australia (CA).

The sport's administrative body in the country is even contemplating a life ban on the Australian skipper, along with his deputy David Warner for cheating under Cricket Australia's code of behaviour.

In case you didn't know...

Australian opener Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera tampering with the ball on Saturday.

It was followed by a dramatic admission from Smith at the press conference that the "leadership group" had made a conscious decision to try and alter the condition of the ball.

Cricket Australia stepped in by asking Smith and Warner to step down from their respective roles for the remainder of the Test with wicket-keeper Tim Paine taking over as captain on the fourth and what eventually proved to be the final day of the ongoing Test as the hosts won the match by 322 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

The heart of the matter

The ICC investigation into the matter led to Smith being handed a one-Test ban while Bancroft was let off with three demerit points under the Code of Conduct for players.

However, considering the huge embarrassment the incident has caused to Australia's reputation with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull asking the CA to have a deep look into the matter, Smith and Warner does look in deep deep trouble.

CA's head of integrity Iain Roy and team performance manager Pat Howard is currently in Cape Town to undertake an investigation on the matter.

Depending on Roy's interpretation of the seriousness of the conduct "that is considered 'unfair play' under Rule 42 of the Laws of Cricket or against the spirit in which the game of cricket should be played," Smith and Warner could be hit with the maximum penalty available under such circumstances - a life ban from the sport.

Extra Cover: South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test: Why the Sandpaper Gate is worse than you think

What's next?

As stated earlier, the ICC sanction means that Smith will miss the fourth and final Test of what has been a gripping-yet-highly-controversial series between South Africa and Australia.

It will be interesting to see whether Warner will miss out on the action as well.

Author's take

It will be very surprising to see Steven Smith continue in his role as Australian skipper following the huge public outcry that the ball-tampering incident has garnered in what has been an already controversial series.

But to think that CA would impose a life ban on two of the nation's top cricketers looks far fetched.