Waugh: Time to revisit failed cricketing culture

Former national captain Steve Waugh says "some" players have failed Australia's cricket culture and has urged the sport to revisit the spirit-of-cricket blueprint issued in 2003.

Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and coach Darren Lehmann are embroiled in a ball-tampering scandal which engulfed the team during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands.

Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh.Credit: AAP

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland, integrity officer Iain Roy and team performance boss Pat Howard are in South Africa and have completed an investigation, with their findings set to be released on Wednesday.

Waugh, whose teams were known for their aggressive manner and sometimes fell foul of officialdom, took to social media to declare his disappointment with what has transpired in recent days.

"Like many, I’m deeply troubled by the events in Cape Town this last week, and acknowledge the thousands of messages I have received, mostly from heartbroken cricket followers worldwide," he wrote on Facebook.

"The Australian cricket team has always believed it could win in any situation against any opposition, by playing combative, skilful and fair cricket, driven by our pride in the fabled Baggy Green.

"I have no doubt the current Australian team continues to believe in this mantra, however, some have now failed our culture, making a serious error of judgement in the Cape Town Test match."

Waugh was captain when Sutherland, still relatively new in the top role, introduced the spirit-of-cricket document, in response to Australia's reputation for sledging. This came after a South African magazine detailed how young batsman Graeme Smith had been sledged by the touring Australians, and not long after the infamous mid-pitch spat between Glenn McGrath and West Indian Ramnaresh Sarwan in Antigua.

"In 2003, we modified the Spirit of Cricket document originally created by the MCC, to empower our players to set their own standards and commit to play the Australian way," Waugh wrote.

"We must urgently revisit this document, rebind our players to it and ensure the spirit in which we play is safeguarded for the future of the sport, and to continue to inspire the dreams of every young kid picking up a bat and ball and for every fan who lives and breathes the game.

"A focused and balanced perspective is needed in the condemnation on those involved in this, with a clear and critical consideration to the social impact and mental health of all players. I will support all positive action to ensure an outcome for the betterment of the game, regaining the trust and faith of every fan of cricket."