Ball-tampering row: Air New Zealand takes a cheeky dig at 'naughty boy' Steve Smith

Sydney: The Australian cricket team has been in the eye of the storm after the shameful ball-tampering scandal in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. While there has been a worldwide backlash from fans and media, trolls have also come hard on Steve Smith and co.

On Wednesday, in a hilarious video on Twitter, Air New Zealand joined the bandwagon and trolled the Australia skipper terming him a ‘naughty boy’.

Smith along with other senior members such as Cameron Bancroft and David Warner, who masterminded the whole incident were sent back home on Wednesday after Cricket Australia supremo James Sutherland made the decision public.

"We hear you're heading home for some time off. This Friday, we're taking on the Poms again in Christchurch. How about a masterclass in legal swing bowling?" the video said.

The Kiwis, who will be playing England in the Test series hinted that the chillier South Island temperatures could provide Smith with a good way to escape the "heat" back home. An invitation to Warner and Bancroft was also extended.

Smith, deputy David Warner and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft, the player caught on camera attempting to doctor the ball with a piece of tape, have been banished for their role in a ball-tampering incident which has dragged Australian cricket's reputation through the mud, but coach Darren Lehmann is to remain in charge.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine will take over the captaincy for the fourth and final Test starting in Johannesburg Friday, with hosts South Africa leading a bad-tempered series 2-1 as Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns fly to South Africa to replace the exiled trio.

Lehmann was not punished but further sanctions on the three players are to be announced said Cricket Australia chief, James Sutherland.

"I understand and share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans," Sutherland said of the controversy in the third Test in Cape Town last Saturday.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all the kids."