By CNN Staff

(CNN) -- Australian cricket has handed three of its leading cricketers lengthy bans in an attempt to restore "integrity" and rebuild the reputation of the sport in Australia.

Captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner have been banned from playing for the national side for a year, following Cricket Australia's investigation into the ball tampering scandal that caused national outrage during the third Test against South Africa.

Cameron Bancroft, who was caught by TV cameras using yellow tape to change the ball's performance has also been suspended -- for nine months.

Along with the suspensions, both Smith and Bancroft will not be considered for any leadership positions until after 12 months and Warner will "not be considered for team leadership positions in the future" Cricket Australia said in a statement.

"Any consideration of future leadership would be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public, form and authority among the playing group"

All three players will also have to complete 100 hours of voluntary service in community cricket before being considered for future selection, however they "will be permitted to play club cricket and will be encouraged to do so to maintain links with the cricket community," Cricket Australia added.

David Peever, the chairman of Cricket Australia Chairman, said the board "shares the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about these events."

"They go to the integrity and reputation of Australian Cricket and Australian sport and the penalties must reflect that.

"These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly. It is hoped that following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers."

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland also added that details of an independent review into the conduct and culture of the men's cricket team will also be shared in "due course."

Watershed moment for Cricket Australia

The punishment follows Cricket Australia's investigation into Smith's involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that caused national outrage during the third test against South Africa.

Earlier Cricket Australia announced that Smith, Warner and Bancroft were being sent home from Johannesburg and replaced by three other players for the fourth Test.

John Buchanan, a former coach for the Australian team between 1999 to 2007, told CNN Sport that Cricket Australia were facing a watershed moment.

"There's a feeling in Australia this isn't just a one off incident. It's been building over a long period of time and the culture between the team really needs to be addressed really seriously.

"What comes next will be a real test for Cricket Australia with how they deal with this issue."

A preliminary investigation into the incident found that all three players had breached article 2.3.5 of Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct, for conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.

'No other players or support staff had prior knowledge'

On Saturday, Smith and Bancroft admitted during a post-match press conference that they'd conspired to scuff the ball in an attempt to gain an unfair advantage over South Africa on the pitch.

The investigation found they were the only players who knew of the plan, which was concocted during the lunch break and carried out by young fielder Bancroft, who had played just eighth Test matches.

"I understand the appetite for urgency given the reputation of Australia as a sporting nation has been damaged in the eyes of many. However, urgency must be balanced with due process given the serious implications for all involved," CEO Sutherland said earlier.

The three players will be replaced by Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns, with Tim Paine appointed captain.

But Sutherland dismissed rumors that coach Darren Lehman was resigning.

"No other players or support staff had prior knowledge, including Darren Lehman, who has not resigned and will continue to coach under current contract," Sutherland said.

Anger and disappointment

Sutherland apologized during a press conference, on behalf of the organization, to both Australia and South Africa.

"I understand and share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans," Sutherland said.

"I want to apologize to all Australians that these events have taken place, particularly to all the kids who love cricket and idolize the players. I want to also apologize to cricket South Africa and South African fans that this issue has overshadowed what otherwise should have been a wonderful series."

Smith and Warner have also been banned from participating in India's domestic cricket league, the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2018, the league and the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced in a statement on Wednesday. Earlier Warner had stepped down Warner as captain of SunRisers Hyderabad.

Warner is also suffering a sponsor backlash.

In a statement to CNN Money, LG Australia confirmed that it would not renew its sponsorship with Warner.

"LG's current sponsorship of David Warner is in the final weeks and in light of recent events, we have decided not to renew our partnership," it said in a statement.

"LG Australia will always look to work with ambassadors that share our core brand values and we take these relationships incredibly seriously to ensure we put our customers, employees and stakeholders first."