Deposed Australian captain Steve Smith, opening batsman Cameron Bancroft and coach Darren Lehmann held news conferences in the wake of last week's ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, on Thursday, 29 March. Here’s how the cricketing fraternity reacted to the trio’s emotional speeches.
Matt Prior, Former England Wicketkeeper
"Fair play Bancroft and Steve Smith taking it head on and fronting up. That was hard to watch and can't imagine what they're going through. People make mistakes but being able to own up and take responsibility takes guts."
Herschelle Gibbs, Former South Africa Batsman
"Hard scenes watching the interviews with the 2 ozzie (sic) blokes. Having been through it all, take it on the chin and live with the consequences but remain true to yourself."
Michael Vaughan, Former England Captain
"Good people make mistakes... I honestly think Steve Smith & Cam Bancroft are decent guys who had a moment of madness.. they deserve a 2nd chance and hopefully get the right support around them now ... Takes a lot guts to do what they did today."
Mitchell Johnson, Former Australia Bowler
Tough to watch Cameron & Steve go through the 2 statements they just made. They will learn from this & be better in the future I’m sure!
Mark Butcher, Former England Batsman
"Just watched Smith presser. Hope everybody has had their pound of flesh now."
Kevin Pietersen, Former England Batsman
Just seen Steve Smith’s press conference. As a parent, I’m gutted for him & his family! Shout me down if you want, but I’m speaking as a parent! It will get better mate!
Michael Clarke, Former Australia Captain
"DEVASTATING!"
Harsha Bhogle, Indian Cricket Commentator
Haven’t Australia made enough of a spectacle of Steve Smith? I’m blown by what he is being put through.
Ryan Harris, Former Australia Bowler
"So very hard to watch, well done Smithy and Bangas, horrible to see the pain they are in! They did wrong but will be back bigger and better! #goodyoungmen"
Mohammad Kaif, Former India Batsman
"Feel the pain he (Smith) is going through. Waiting for him to come back soon and cause delight to fans across the world with his supreme batsmanship. Remember Warne served a 1 year ban for a banned substance and came back with 26 wkts in 3 tests against SL (sic)."
Michael Di Venuto, Former Australia Batsman
"Absolutely shattering watching these press conferences. Not hard to tell what type of people these guys are. Cricket Aus losing some great people through one poor choice. #human #forgive."
Sachin Tendulkar, Former India Batsman
They are regretting and hurting and will have to live with the consequences of their act. Spare a thought for their families as they have much to endure along with the players. Time for all of us to take a step back and give them some space.
Shoaib Akhtar, Former Pakistan Bowler
"At least Steve Smith has the courage to admit like a man but absolutely gutted to see Steve Smith breaking down... and also the way people (are) treating him @ Airport & in Australia. It's sad, leave that poor chap alone now (sic)."
Ravichandran Ashwin, Bowler, India
“The world simply wants to see you cry, once you have cried they will feel satisfied and live happily ever after. If only empathy was not just a word and people still had it. God give Smith and Bancroft all the strength to come out of this.”
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