Serial Offender: Incidents which destroyed Steven Smith's image
Steven Smith never fails to make the headlines with his batting exploits but this time around it's a different story. The 28-year-old has been suspended for 1 Test after admitting that he knew about the plan to tamper the ball during the third Test against South Africa. Here we take a look at the past incidents that tarnished Smith's reputation.
Smith's DRS 'brain fade' incident
This is not the first time that Steven Smith has been guilty of cheating. During the Test series against India, he was looking towards his dressing room to help him decide if should take a review. The incident occurred in the second Test in Bangalore last year. Smith said it was only a case of 'Brain Fade'.
The umpire rant incident against New Zealand
In February 2016, Steven Smith ranted against umpires after a decision went against his team during the 2nd Test in Christchurch against New Zealand. He was fined 30% of his match fee for his behavior. "I'll cop that on the chin and I need to be better as a leader. For me it's about trying to learn from my mistakes and improve." Smith said.
The row with legend James Anderson
England's pacer James Anderson had slammed that the Australians are bullies and they always overstep the line. This claim by Anderson angered Steven Smith. The Australian captain hit back saying that Anderson was one of the biggest sledgers in cricket. It turned ugly on the pitch during the D/N Test in Adelaide, where Aleem Dar had to split the two players.
Rant against ICC for lifting Rabada's ban
In the second Test of the current tour, Kagiso Rabada was handed a ban for rubbing his shoulders against Steven Smith. The ICC later overturned the ban after a successful appeal by Rabada. Steven Smith raised several eyebrows as he went on to question the ICC's decision to lift the ban. It is high time that Smith should start respecting the decisions of authorities.
Smith frustrated that he wasn't consulted
"They've deemed the contact not to be deliberate and set the line in the sand of what is appropriate and what's not. The other person involved is not getting asked about it," Smith ranted.
Shocking ball tampering plot
Steven Smith admitted that he was a part of the ball tampering scandal that took place in the third Test. Batsman Cameron Bancroft was seen using a yellow object to alter the condition of the ball. Post the incident, Smith had to resign from captaincy and was handed a one-match ban. Now, as per reports, the Royals want to remove him as their leader.
