Steve Smith had asked for forgiveness in a tearful press conference.
Former Australia captain Steve Smith, who fell from grace during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, all thanks to his involvement in the now infamous ball-tampering scandal, has taken an important decision that may have a positive effect on his career in future.
Tweeting from his official Twitter handle, Steve Smith has addressed his fans that he will not be challenging the sanctions levied on him by Cricket Australia.
He wrote, “I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.”
I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) April 4, 2018
Steve Smith, along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, was found guilty of hatching the plan to change the condition of the ball during the third Test of the four match series. Later on, Bancroft was caught by the cameras, scratching the ball with a piece of sandpaper and then hiding it in his trousers.
The matter was reported to the match referee and ban of one Test was levied on Steve Smith, along with 100% match fees fine.
Later, CA investigations revealed that the brainchild of the whole scandal was opener David Warner. Steve Smith and Warner were handed 12 months ban each, while Cameron Bancroft copped a nine months ban; for their roles in the shameful act.
On his return from South Africa, Smith begged for forgiveness from the people of Australia and the cricket world in a tearful press conference, where he was present with his father, Peter.