DURHAM have announced the signing of Australia opener Cameron Bancroft for the 2019 county season following his suspension earlier this year for his role in a ball-tampering scandal.

Here, Press Association Sport looks back at how events unfolded:

March 24

- Australia's Bancroft is seen on television running his hand over the rough side of the ball while fielding on day three of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, before removing a small yellow object from his pocket and placing it down the front of his trousers.

- Match officials charge Bancroft at stumps with changing the condition of the ball.

- Australia captain Steve Smith says at the end of the day's play that he is "incredibly sorry" for bringing the game "into disrepute".

- Smith admits during a press conference that: "The leadership group knew about it and spoke about it at lunch. I'm not proud of what's happened, it's not within the spirit of the game."

- Speaking alongside Smith, Bancroft admits: "We had a discussion during the break and on myself, I saw an opportunity to use some tape and granules from rough patches of the wicket to change the ball's condition."

March 25

- Sutherland says he is "extremely disappointed and shocked" by Smith and Bancroft's admission, calling it a "sad day" for Australian cricket.

- Skipper Smith and vice-captain David Warner agree to stand down from their positions ahead of the fourth day's play, with Tim Paine taking over as captain.

- Smith is handed a one-match suspension and fined 100 per cent of his match fee for the third Test by the International Cricket Council. Bancroft is fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points.

- Smith is booed by the crowd before and after his innings, making just seven as Australia are bowled out for 107 to lose by 322 runs.

March 26

- Smith stands down as captain of the Rajasthan Royals so "the team can get ready for the start of the Indian Premier League without the ongoing distractions".

March 27

- Sutherland announces that Australia coach Darren Lehmann will remain in his job, having been unaware of the ball-tampering plot.

- Sutherland states that Smith, Warner and Bancroft were the only players aware of the ball-tampering plot and all had been reported for breaching CA's code of conduct.

- Sutherland says Paine had been appointed captain of Australia's Test team, and says the three players involved in the ball-tampering case would leave South Africa on Wednesday.

March 28

- CA suspends Smith and Warner from domestic and international cricket for 12 months while Bancroft is given a nine-month ban.

- CA adds that Smith and Bancroft are not to be considered for leadership roles for at least 12 months following the completion of their bans, while Warner "will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future".

- The IPL confirms that Smith and Warner will not be allowed to play in the 2018 tournament.

March 29

- A major sponsor of CA - wealth management company Magellan - cancels a three-year deal.

- Warner apologises for his role in the scandal and labels the plan to tamper with the ball a "stain on the game".

- An emotional Smith apologises to all Australians and conceded that the scandal was "a serious failure of my leadership". He said: "I know I will regret this for the rest of my life. I am absolutely gutted. I'm sorry and I'm absolutely devastated."

- Bancroft admits he felt "like I've let everyone down" after his involvement.

- CA announces that Lehmann will step down as Australia's head coach after the final Test against South Africa. Lehmann says he is "ultimately responsible for the culture of the team" and adds: "Despite telling the media yesterday that I'm not resigning, after reviewing Steve and Cameron's hurting it's only fair that I make this decision."

- Somerset announce Bancroft will not join the County Championship club as their overseas player this season following his role in the scandal.

April 4

- Smith and Bancroft both announce on social media that they will not be challenging their bans.

April 5

- Warner confirms he too will not be appealing, saying he was "truly sorry" for his actions.

April 12

- Somerset sign Australia opener Matthew Renshaw as Bancroft's replacement.

May 3

- Former Australia opener Justin Langer is appointed new head coach, replacing Lehmann on a four-year deal.

May 9

- Lehmann lands a new role at CA's national performance programme, working as an assistant to head coach Troy Cooley.

May 14

- Bancroft is given special permission to play grade cricket for Western Australia club Willetton despite his ban.

May 16

- Warner is also allowed to turn out for Sydney grade club Randwick Petersham.

May 24

- Warner reveals the trauma his family experienced since the ball-tampering scandal, following wife Candice's revelation that she suffered a miscarriage in the aftermath.

May 25

- Smith is named as a marquee player for the Global T20 in Canada, and is later joined by Warner.

June 6

- Sutherland announces his resignation as chief executive, having served in the role since 2001.

June 16

- Warner signs a deal to play for St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean Premier League.

July 3

- Smith and Warner go head-to-head in the Global T20 in Canada, but both are dismissed cheaply.

August 17

- Durham announce the signing of Bancroft for the full 2019 county season.