"You Did Nothing Wrong": Faf du Plessis Reveals Secret Support for Steve Smith During Ball-Tampering Storm
Faf du Plessis reveals the private messages and mutual respect shared with Steve Smith during the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.
The 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal remains one of the most infamous chapters in modern cricket history. While the world watched as Australian captain Steve Smith faced an unprecedented fall from grace, a surprising bond of empathy was forming behind the scenes. Former South African captain Faf du Plessis has now opened up about the private support he offered Smith during that tumultuous period, revealing that he felt the Australian star was unfairly bearing the brunt of the controversy.
A Bond Forged in Controversy
Speaking on Cricinfo’s Cricketers on Cricketers, du Plessis recalled the moment Steve Smith stepped forward to take full responsibility for the incident in Cape Town. While the public saw a captain admitting guilt, du Plessis and his teammates saw something different.
"Steve came out at the end of the day saying: 'I take responsibility.' And we were like: 'Why are you taking responsibility? You did nothing wrong,'" du Plessis recalled.
As the media frenzy escalated and the pressure on Smith became suffocating, du Plessis felt a deep sense of empathy. This wasn't just professional courtesy; it was a shared experience. Two years prior, in 2016, du Plessis had found himself at the center of his own storm during a Test in Hobart, where he was accused of using residue from a sweet to alter the ball's condition—an event often referred to as "Mintgate."
The Private Message of Solidarity
Recognizing the mental toll of being labeled a "cheat" on a global stage, du Plessis reached out to Smith privately to offer a lifeline of support. He wanted Smith to know that he wasn't alone and that the opposing team understood the weight of the situation.
"I remember sending a message and saying: 'Listen, I'm so sorry you are going through this. Just be strong. It's going to be a hell for a week or so and then it will probably blow over,'" du Plessis shared. He admitted that he had no idea the fallout would result in a year-long ban, but he made it clear that the South African camp stood by him, adding, "We understand you did nothing wrong. So if you need anything from us, we're here."
Why Faf Owed Steve a Debt of Gratitude
The support du Plessis offered in 2018 was a reflection of the kindness Smith had shown him years earlier. During the 2016 Hobart controversy, when the world was calling du Plessis a cheat, Steve Smith had used his platform to defend the South African captain.
Du Plessis recalled a specific moment when Smith was asked for his thoughts on the "Mintgate" allegations. Instead of joining the chorus of criticism, Smith defended him, stating that using sweets to shine the ball was a common practice across many teams and that du Plessis was not cheating.
This gesture left a lasting impression on the South African dressing room. Du Plessis noted that Smith could have easily succumbed to the pressure to criticize his rival, but he chose the "human" route instead. "That was amazing for me to see. I remember just saying that that meant a lot to the South African team and the respect that we got for Steve Smith that day," he added.
The Aftermath of the Cape Town Scandal
The 2018 incident resulted in severe penalties from both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket Australia:
- Steve Smith: Stripped of the captaincy and banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia, alongside a one-Test ban from the ICC.
- David Warner: The vice-captain also received a 12-month ban.
- Cameron Bancroft: The player who used sandpaper to alter the ball received a nine-month ban.
For du Plessis, the memory of the event is less about the sanctions and more about the psychological burden of public scrutiny. He reflected on how the cameras and the global narrative can turn a minor incident into a career-defining crisis, stating, "All of a sudden, I was in real trouble... people saying, 'Cheating.' That weighs heavy on you."