Overview
- Faf du Plessis says he sent Steve Smith a private message of sympathy and reassurance as the media storm unfolded during the Cape Town Test in March 2018.
- Du Plessis recalled being surprised that Smith publicly declared “I take responsibility” after the incident and questioned why Smith would accept blame for something he did not do.
- The Cape Town episode began when Cameron Bancroft was caught trying to alter the ball with sandpaper, and Cricket Australia later banned Smith and David Warner for 12 months while Bancroft received nine months; the ICC issued a one‑Test ban on Smith.
- Du Plessis tied his outreach to his own 2016 Hobart episode, known as ‘Mintgate,’ and noted that Smith had publicly defended him then by saying du Plessis was merely shining the ball.
- The recent interviews offer a retrospective human view that highlights how leadership choices, intense media attention and official sanctions reshaped reputations and created mutual respect between rival players.