Sorry guys, thinking this is the first time is just naive. I put it down to Steve Smith's lack of intelligence. Why didn't he say at the press conference " I cannot comment on the matter while the investigation is taking place". Then think about it.
The worst thing you can say to journalist is an explanation. Tell them I am legally advised to say nothing. Easy!
Stunning admission. And you are down on Smith like a tonne of bricks for coming up with his load of cobblers story at the press conference.
They were caught bang to rights on camera.
Smith could have answered zero questions at the press conference, and come across as completely petulant and with a massive amount to hide. I am legally advised to say nothing.....that would have been the most extraordinary response from an international captain in history. Essentially he would have been acting like a common criminal.
- "I cannot comment on the matter while the investigation is taking place" - essentially that response would have thrown Bancroft 100% under the bus. How would any player trust or respect Smith again if the skipper washed their hands of them & hung them out to dry?
You seem to think that would have been the right thing to do. Throw a young player who was put up to it under the bus. Just keep fudging, clamming up, denying.
ICC gutless as usual!! They should have demanded to see the material that Bancroft had in his pocket, because speculation will never, ever go away that this was 100grit sandpaper. 'Granules' from side of pitch(?) Give me a break!!
