Australia batsman David Warner could be banned for the fourth Test against South Africa at the Wanderers starting on Friday.

According to reports, Warner will miss the last game of the series due to his role in the ball tampering saga that erupted on day three of the third Test at Newlands.

That means Australia, who trail South Africa 2-1, will go into the final match of the series without their top two players after Steve Smith was suspended by the ICC after admitting to cheating.

READ MORE: Smith, Warner admit cheating

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Warner – who did not receive any sanction from the ICC over his part in the scheme – will not be allowed to play in the fourth Test with his vice-captaincy role also hanging in the balance.

Cricket Australia’s integrity chief Iain Roy and team performance manager Pat Howard have landed in Cape Town and will conduct an investigation.

Any player or member of support staff who conspired to use sticky tape in an illegal effort to scuff the ball at Newlands are also likely to be sanctioned. CA has the power to mete out lifetime bans from the sport.

The fate of Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft – who was caught using the sticky tape – is expected to be made clear on Wednesday.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who took over as skipper on day four of the third Test at Newlands, will likely take over the reins again at the Wanderers.

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