Air New Zealand Takes a Jibe at Steve Smith, Asks Him to Host a Master Class for LETHAL Swing Bowling

Steve Smith and David Warner have been in the eye of the storm for the ball-tampering row. The ugly incident had invited criticism from various sections of cricket lovers and of course the media. Joining the bandwagon is Air New Zealand who put out a video and has invited Steve Smith to host a master class for their team on lethal bowling.  New Zealand, will take on England in Christchurch on March 30.

The video is simple and has no special graphics. It just has white text against the black background but has taken a dig at Steve Smith for the ball-tampering incident. The official account, of Air New Zealand posted the video on their account with the caption, “Hey Steve. We need to talk. 🏏

The ball-tampering incident occurred on the third day of the test match between Australia and South Africa. Steve Smith, Vice-captain David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft guilty in the ball-tampering scandal, and suspended the trio for the fourth Test in Johannesburg. While addressing the press, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said, “Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft all charged after it was found they had prior knowledge of the ball tampering incident. No one else was aware."

After the CA investigation, all three players were found guilty of breaching article 2.3.5 of Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct and will fly home from South Africa on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Darren Lehmann will continue to coach the team. "Darren Lehmann has not resigned and will continue to coach the Aussie men's team," Sutherland added. Matthew Renshaw, Joe Burns and Glenn Maxwell will replace the three players charged in the Test squad. Tim Paine has officially been appointed the captain of the team. Sutherland also issued an apology to the Australian and South African cricket fans, as well as Cricket South Africa.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2018 12:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).