Australian cricketer Steve Smith has backed young Windies batsman Nicholas Pooran to overcome his recent ball-tampering episode during the clash of West Indies against Afghanistan.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) immediately banned Pooran for four matches after video evidence showed that he was actively trying to change the condition of the ball during the third ODI.
Smith, who himself was banned for a year alongside teammate David Warner, for meddling with the ball during the 2018 Cape Town Test, can empathize with Pooran.
“Everyone is different, every board is different, and the way they deal with certain issues,” Smith was quoted saying about Pooran by ESPNcricinfo.
“For me, I copped it on the chin… it is what it is. I know Nicholas, I’ve played a bit of cricket with him and he’s a talented player and someone with a bright future,” Smith added.
