Steve Smith's father Peter Smith was seen packing his son's kitbag into the family garage on Friday (March 30) as the former Australia skipper commences his 12-month suspension from international cricket for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal.
Soon after expressing his guilt and pain in an emotional press conference in Sydney on Thursday (March 29), Smith headed to Dubai with the purpose of some leisure following a stressful one week.
"He'll be fine, he'll survive, he'll survive," Peter Smith told Seven News.
Addressing the media at Sydney Airport after returning from South Africa, Smith had broken down saying that the ball-tampering scandal is a failure of his leadership.
“I want to, as captain of the Australian cricket team, I take full responsibility. To all of my teammates, to fans of cricket all over the world and to all Australians who are disappointed and angry. I'm sorry,” Smith had said.
“I made a serious error in judgement. It was a failure of leadership, my leadership. I will do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused. If any good is to come from this it can be a lesson for others and I hope I can be a force for change. I know I’ll regret this for the rest of my life. I’m absolutely gutted,” he added.
Following the press conference, Smith was seen in the business class lounge, having dressed in a casual attire before boarding a flight to the United Arab Emirates. It is not known how long Smith will be out of his homeland.
Besides Smith, Cricket Australia on Wednesday (March 28) announced severe punishments on former vice-captain David Warner and rookie opener Cameron Bancroft for their involvement in this shameful act. CA banned Warner for 12 months while Bancroft was handed a 9-month suspension from international cricket.
In its statement, Cricket Australia had also mentioned that the convicted trio will have to complete 100 hours of community service before being considered for future selection. While Smith and Bancroft will have to wait two years before they are considered for leadership roles, Warner will never again be considered for captaincy as he was found to be the instigator of the plan.
