AB de Villiers Felt 'Sorry' for Steven Smith Following Stern Ball-tampering Punishment

South African cricketer AB de Villiers has thrown his weight behind Steven Smith after the ball-tampering scandal draws an ire across the cricketing globe.

The veteran player de Villiers was at the crease when the incident was first caught on TV. The Proteas had managed to clinch a historic series win against Australia. But the shades of controversy in the series is yet to be settled down.

Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were banned from playing international cricket after the incident.

Cricket Australia (CA) took harsh decision to ban the trio for long durations than expected by many. AB de Villiers simutenoulsy felt the incident hurt the players individually more than anything.

“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,” he said.

“Wrong is wrong. Guys try to find a way to get the ball to reverse but you have to stay in the laws. Sandpaper? Sheesh, I don’t know. I have it in my bag but that’s for cleaning my bat,” de Villiers maintained.

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South African players are looking forward to playing more international cricket in the coming months. They will be playing against Sri Lanka owing to a full tour in July.

AB de Villiers Once Again Lit IPL with RCB heroics:

The Proteas superstar has once again proved why he is considered as one of the best batsmen in world cricket. He is looking in fine touch in the ongoing Indian Premier League’s (IPL) eleventh season.

The right-handed batsman AB de Villiers scored 280 runs in just six innings at an outstanding average of 56. He has once again proved his worth for his side.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli also looked in fine touch so far.

However, their biggest problem once again lies in their weak bowling attack. Umesh Yadav has been brilliant but has not delivered in the death overs in nutshell.

Yuzvendra Chahal has been their star with the ball. But Washington Sundar is yet to find his rhythm as a bowler for the franchise.

The team will need to quickly find the right balance. They have managed just two wins from six games and will need to increase their tempo, in order to make it to the playoffs.

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