Faf du Plessis recalls supporting Steven Smith after 2018 ball-tampering scandal

South African captain Faf du Plessis revealed he sent a supportive message to Steven Smith following the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal. Du Plessis, who faced similar charges in 2016, expressed empathy for Smith, who he felt was unfairly blamed despite not personally tampering with the ball.

Du Plessis initially believed the media scrutiny would subside within a week, but Smith faced severe consequences, including a one-year ban and loss of captaincy from Cricket Australia. The South African captain noted that Smith had previously defended him during the 2016 Hobart incident, prompting his own outreach during the Australian's professional crisis.

Editor's note: The brief effectively captures the core narrative of the source, including the specific context of the 2018 scandal and the reciprocal support between the two captains.