XtraTime Web Desk: Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis today said that the 12-month ban on removed Australian skipper Steve Smith was “harsh”.
While talking to the media in Johannesburg Faf said he is very sorru’ for Steve and he also texted him to show his support for him.
Smith and star Aussie opener David Warner were banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia and Bancroft faced a nine months ban for an attempted ball tampering during the third Test at Cape Town between South Africa and Australia last Saturday.
Du Plessis was talking on the eve of the fourth and final Test at the Wanderers of a drama-packed series in which South Africa hold a 2-1 lead.
“It’s been a crazy week. I have compassion for what he’s going through.
“I think he’s one of the good guys and he’s just been caught in a bad place,” said Du Plessis, who has twice been found guilty of ball tampering himself, but was only fined and never banned.
“I did send him a text. From a really deep place in my heart I feel for the guy.
“I don’t want to see guys going through that stuff.
“It’s going to be incredibly hard for him over the next days so I sent him a message of support, saying he’ll get through this and he must be strong.”
Du Plessis said that although he regarded the bans imposed on Smith, Warner and Bancroft as harsh, he understood the context of the high values Australians expected from their cricket team.
Du Plessis welcomed the announcement by International Cricket Council chief executive Dave Richardson that there would be a review of the ICC code of conduct and penalties.
“I think it’s overdue. All we ask for is consistency. There are a lot of grey areas,” said Du Plessis, who was only made South Africa captain after being caught ball-tampering.
Despite his sympathy for Smith, Du Plessis said he and his team were determined to “finish the job”.