AB de Villiers feels that the punishment given to Steve Smith and co. was harsh

The ball-tampering saga shook the entire cricketing fraternity. Fans did not expect David Warner and Steve Smith to be involved in such an act. Playing within the spirit of the game is much more important than getting results. The senior Australian cricketers did not play a fair game and paid a big price for it. Smith, Warner and Bancroft were handed bans ranging from 9 months to 1 year and were barred from playing in the IPL too.

AB de Villiers, who is considered as one of the best batsmen in the World at the moment has voiced his opinion regarding the punishments handed to former Australian captain Steve Smith. He felt sorry for Smith and thought that the punishment was rather harsh. The incident occurred in the test series between South Africa and Australia that the Proteas won 3-1.

Overhyped ban for Smith and co?

“It was blown up massively. Yes, it is a serious matter but it was taken to a level where it really hurt them individually and I felt sorry for them. Especially Smith, who stood up thinking he was doing the right thing by his players. The way he was punished was harsh,” de Villiers said in an interview to Guardian.

Mr.360 all added that it was the best series that he has been a part of. He loved the way the Proteas dominated the Aussies and was quite happy with his team’s performance. There were events that were uncalled for but apart from that the Proteas were at their best and looked unbeatable.

“It was seriously tough cricket but that’s how Tests should be played. There was all this talk about ‘the line’ and you don’t want to get too personal. But letting a player know there is a series on the line and he is about to lose it for his country, that is part of the game. That’s what we did.” he added.

It may be difficult for Smith to bounce back from such a setback. It may take some time for people to forget the sandpaper gate but the manner in which Steve Smith will bounce back in going to define the rest of his career.

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