Steve Smith, often hailed as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation, is renowned for his exceptional batting prowess and calm demeanor on the field. Unlike some of his fellow Australian players, Smith is known for leading with composure. However, behind his composed exterior lies a controversial past that has marred his otherwise glittering career.
In this article, we delve into the top three controversies that have surrounded Steve Smith, from an accusation during the Border-Gavaskar series to the infamous Sandpaper Gate that led to his suspension.
3) The Rishabh Pant Guard Mark Controversy (2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Series)
One of the more recent controversies involving Steve Smith came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia. The series was marked by intense competition, and India’s depleted squad was battling injuries as they faced a stiff target of 407 runs during the third Test in Sydney.
In the middle of this drama, Smith was accused of an unsporting act. During a drinks break, Smith was caught on camera shadow-batting on the pitch, allegedly scuffing up Rishabh Pant’s guard mark. Pant, who was crucial for India’s innings, had to re-take his guard, which created quite an uproar.
The video of the incident went viral on social media, and Smith was criticized for what many saw as an attempt to unsettle Pant. Smith, however, denied any malicious intent, but the controversy had already gained traction, bringing significant criticism his way.
Australian Steve Smith breaks down in tears in his press conference.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 29, 2018
2) The “Brainfade” Moment Against India (2017)
Steve Smith’s leadership skills were under the spotlight again during the 2017 Border-Gavaskar series. India won the series 2-1, but the most memorable moment came during the second Test in Bengaluru when Smith found himself at the center of a major controversy.
Smith was trapped lbw by Umesh Yadav, and after a brief discussion with his partner, Peter Handscomb, he was seen glancing towards the Australian dressing room for advice on whether to review the decision. Seeking external help for a decision review during play is strictly against the rules, and India’s captain Virat Kohli immediately intervened, escalating the situation.
After the match, Smith publicly admitted that he had suffered a “brainfade,” describing it as a lapse in judgment. The incident, however, left a lasting stain on Smith’s leadership credentials.
| Year | Series | Incident |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Border-Gavaskar (India vs Australia) | Removing Pant’s guard mark |
| 2017 | Border-Gavaskar (India vs Australia) | Brainfade moment during lbw decision |
| 2018 | South Africa Test Series | Sandpaper gate – tampering with the ball |
1) The Sandpaper Gate (2018) – The Darkest Chapter
Without a doubt, the biggest controversy in Steve Smith’s career remains the Sandpaper Gate, an event that shook Australian cricket to its core. During the 2018 Test series against South Africa, the Australian team, desperate to win the third Test, resorted to ball-tampering, a violation of the spirit of the game.
Cameron Bancroft, one of Smith’s teammates, was caught on live television using a piece of yellow adhesive tape to rough up the ball. Although Bancroft tried to hide the object after realizing he had been seen on the big screen, it was too late.
Post-match, Bancroft, accompanied by Steve Smith, admitted to tampering with the ball under the orders of senior players, including David Warner. The fallout was swift and severe. Smith, Warner, and Bancroft were handed significant suspensions by Cricket Australia, with Smith banned for one year from international and domestic cricket. This incident not only tarnished Smith’s image but also led to his resignation as Australia’s captain.
Impact on Smith’s Legacy
Despite these controversies, Steve Smith has made a remarkable comeback. His ban ended in 2019, and he returned to cricket, continuing to dominate the sport with his outstanding performances. However, the shadow of these controversies, especially the Sandpaper Gate, continues to follow him.
Steve Smith’s career will always be remembered for his extraordinary achievements on the field, but these controversies, particularly the Sandpaper Gate, have left an indelible mark on his legacy. The lessons learned from these incidents have shaped Smith into a more mature and focused cricketer, determined to rewrite his story on the field.
