Steve Smith deserves some sympathy over ball-tampering scandal… but axed Australia captain deserves his one-year ban

YOU would need a heart of stone not to feel some sympathy for Steve Smith.

His emotional media conference at Sydney airport should be the first step on a road to redemption and regaining some of the affection and respect of the Aussie public.

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This, remember, is a man who less than three months ago captained Australia to a 4-0 Ashes triumph and was hailed the best batsman since Don Bradman.

What a fall from grace.

Four hours later and almost 7,000 miles away in South Africa, coach Darren Lehmann announced his resignation.

That was the correct decision. How could the man who oversaw the boorish, bullying dressing-room culture be the person to repair it?

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Meanwhile in Perth, Cameron Bancroft delivered similar sentiments to Smith’s although Bancroft actually went further by admitting he had lied.

David Warner might have been advised to perform a public mea culpa rather than a tweet. But there may be more to come from him.

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Smith did not say why the Australians chose to tamper with the ball on day three of the Third Test.

He probably wasn’t dodging the question, more likely that he was in such distress that his brain was not functioning properly. His appearance was all about saying sorry rather than specifics.

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But the fact remains that last Saturday he did nothing to stop his team illegally tampering with the ball. A one-year ban is proportionate.

People say: “Every team tampers with the ball.” Well, everyone breaks the speed limit, too.

'SORRY, MUM' Steve Smith breaks down in tears as he apologises for ball-tampering scandal

So let’s say throwing the ball into the wicketkeeper on the bounce is driving at 72mph on the M1. Using mints to sweeten the saliva is 82mph and putting lip salve on the ball is 88mph.

Cynically pre-planning to scrub the ball with sandpaper, co-opting the junior player to do it and then lying about it . . . that is doing 120mph without insurance or a driving licence. In a stolen vehicle!