Faf du Plessis to Steven Smith: ‘You did nothing wrong, just be strong’

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis revealed he sent a supportive message to Steven Smith following the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, telling him he did nothing wrong. Speaking on Cricinfo's "Cricketers on Cricketers" series, du Plessis reflected on feeling empathy for his rival captain as media pressure intensified. Cricket Australia subsequently banned Smith for a year alongside David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

Du Plessis recalled that his support stemmed from Smith defending him during the 2016 "Mintgate" controversy in Hobart. At the time, Smith publicly stated that du Plessis was merely shining the ball rather than cheating, a gesture that earned Smith immense respect within the South African dressing room.