Test great critical of ICC penalty

Test great Graeme Smith says the one-match suspension handed down to Steve Smith by the International Cricket Council for his involvement in the ball tampering scandal was too lenient and that the governing body has missed an opportunity to set a precedent in matters of this magnitude.

But Smith says cricket needs the abilities of the world’s No.1 Test batsman and that missing the fourth Test might be a blessing in disguise for the tourists.

“I think that they (ICC) had an opportunity to set a precedent here,” Smith told cricket.com.au on Sunday.

“I think it (Smith’s punishment) is too lenient. 

“It’s something that he’s admitted and that he’s aware of and was a part of and that he planned to cheat. 

“I felt the ICC had an opportunity and in my mind they haven’t dealt with it effectively.

“I know the ICC have stuck to the letter of their system but having captained before, the spirit of the game gets drummed down as a captain, and the ICC make a conscious effort before every series to make sure that as a leader you’re aware of that and it’s your responsibility.

“I think in many ways Cricket Australia have been firmer than the ICC.”

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland told a throng of reporters on Sunday in Melbourne an internal investigation has been launched, led by CA Head of Integrity Iain Roy, who has travelled to South Africa with CA Team Performance boss Pat Howard.

In addition to being suspended, Smith was fined 100 per cent of his match fee and handed four demerit points to his disciplinary record.

While Smith will undoubtedly leave a massive hole in the tourists’ batting order, the former Proteas captain says it might be the best thing for the under-siege Australian and his team.

“In many ways with what’s going on it’s probably not a bad thing,” the 117-Test veteran said. 

“Yes, they’re losing their best player and captain for a period of time now but there’s so much focus and heat on him. 

“I can only imagine what’s going on behind the scenes in terms of chats and meetings with CA and the relevant people involved in sorting this out. 

“From all accounts, it looks like Cricket Australia are going to take a pretty firm stance on this.”

In the wake of the ball tampering revelations, Smith’s integrity and position as Test captain have come under fire from former players such as Adam Gilchrist and Simon Katich.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan says Smith, his team and the Australia team management will be branded as ‘cheats’ for the remainder of their careers.

But Smith – who captained South Africa in a record 109 Tests – says the legacy of the 28-year-old Australian will recover and that the sport needs his incredible batting talents. 

“I think time will probably heal it (Smith’s legacy), but these things tend to not go away,” he said. “They tend to sit with you and you’ll always be reminded of them. 

“He’s a wonderful player and his record is great. 

“You would think that maybe in time if he performs well that this will be parked in the back corner. 

“Yes, he’s made a big mistake but the game of cricket needs his ability and what he brings to the party. 

“Whether he’ll lead Australia again I don’t know if he’s the right man to do that.”

Qantas tour of South Africa

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, AB de Villiers.

Australia squad: Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Warm-up match: Australia beat South Africa A by five wickets. Report, highlights

First Test Australia won by 118 runs. Scorecard

Second Test South Africa won by six wickets. Scorecard

Third Test South Africa won by 322 runs. Scorecard

Fourth Test Wanderers, Johannesburg, March 30-April 3. Live coverage