Axe looms for Lehmann and Smith as CA hold crisis talks

The axe was hanging over the head of Australian coach Darren Lehmann and skipper Steve Smith Tuesday with cricket chiefs holding crisis talks in South Africa to deal with an escalating cheating scandal.

Cricket Australia (CA) boss James Sutherland, under mounting pressure to come down hard on what Australian media has dubbed a "rotten" team culture, was due in Johannesburg Tuesday where he will meet up with the body's head of integrity, Iain Roy.

They are expected to update a shocked Australian public on Wednesday morning, with reports saying they could throw the book at Smith and his vice-captain David Warner by banning both for 12 months and sending them home in disgrace.

Smith has already been suspended for one Test and docked his entire match fee by the International Cricket Council for his role in a plot that saw teammate Cameron Bancroft tamper with the ball during the third Test against South Africa on Saturday.

It means he will miss the fourth and final Test in Johannesburg starting Friday.

- Lehmann silence -
"We understand the strong interest everyone has in this situation and we are following due process to properly address all of the relevant issues involved."
- National outcry -
- Ashes accusation -
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"They haven't done that. You have had two players, who have admitted guilt for cheating. I think that's huge."