Steve Smith apologises for dissent charge: ‘Sometimes emotions get the better of you’

Australian cricketer Steve Smith on Saturday, November 16, apologised to his national side’s teammates after he was penalized 25% for showing dissent on the field during a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales against Western Australia recently. Smith did not agree with a decision by the umpire and didn’t shy away from showing it. Speaking at the national team’s values meeting, held ahead of a major assignment, Smith said that he was sorry his team received a Code of Conduct due to him.

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Smith said that he is aware that the way he conducted himself was improper. He said that there were a lot of children who looked up are cricketers and watched every move they made, including how they conducted themselves on the field. The former Australian captain said that for those reasons, among others, it was important that players conduct themselves in a better manner – even if they don’t agree with some of the decisions on the field.

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Steve Smith expresses himself

The 30-year-old also said that some of the players should show restraint while expressing themselves on the field. He added that venting out frustrations should be reserved for the dressing room. Smith said when behind closed doors, players could conduct themselves as they would wish. However, he said that even the display of emotions behind closed doors should be within reason. Smith said that the players should not forget that they represent Australia, no matter where they are playing. He said he felt the need to apologise for not standing by the Code of Conduct he had agreed to play by.

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Recently, pacer James Pattinson was also handed a one-match ban by Cricket Australia for violating the same Code of Conduct. Although, he was found guilty of abusing a fellow player during the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Queensland.

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