Faf du Plessis says he backed Steve Smith during 2018 ball-tampering scandal

During a recent interview, former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis described sending a personal message to Steve Smith as the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal intensified in Cape Town. He questioned why Smith took responsibility, insisting the Australian had done nothing wrong, and offered solidarity, recalling the media frenzy he faced in 2016 over a sweet-residue ball-tampering claim in Hobart. Du Plessis highlighted that Smith had previously stood up for him when accusations of cheating arose, choosing to defend rather than criticize his rival.

He explained that Cricket Australia later imposed one-year bans on Smith and David Warner, a nine-month ban on Cameron Bancroft, and a one-Test suspension from the ICC. The former captain said his message was meant to reassure Smith that the cricket community understood his plight and would stand behind him.