'Bravo Steve Smith': Twitter applauds Australian cricketer for not challenging ball-tampering ban

Steve Smith looks set on a mission to redemption after sanctions imposed on him by Cricket Australia (CA) for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. 

On Wednesday, the former Australia captain announced that he will not challenge the 12-month ban handed by CA. 

"I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country," Smith said on his verified Twitter account. "But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team." 

"I won't be challenging the sanctions. They've been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them," he tweeted.

Smith's tweet was met by mostly positive reactions on social media. Many Twitter users praised Smith for accepting the punishment.  

Excellent work by Steve Smith to fly in the face of his unions advice and cop his penalty sweet. Yes he has a lot to be sorry for but people will respect him for this.

— Robert Craddock (@craddock_cmail) April 4, 2018

Congrats to Steve Smith for not challenging his ban. It's tough but he's facing it

— Neil Mitchell (@3AWNeilMitchell) April 4, 2018

Bravo Steve Smith ! @CricketAus #respect

— Theron Kirkman (@theronfoto) April 4, 2018

Steve Smith providing further evidence that fundamentally he is a man of character and fully deserves to be welcomed back with open arms next year.

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) April 4, 2018

Had any other player been in Steve Smith's position, he would have appealed the ban which is too harsh give the normal quantum of punishment for such bans. Let's hope this act of repentance will earn him some public Goodwill.

— Sushant (@ShawshankOne) April 4, 2018

Just got a whole lot more respect for Steve Smith https://t.co/ixVZhkORhJ

— William Chandler (@wchandler23) April 4, 2018

Steve Smith continues to show tremendous character, despite being unduly crapped on from a great height - for doing the noble thing, being honest, falling on his sword and protecting the true culprit. Would be nice if Cricket Australia revisited the issue of their own accord...

— Col Irwin (@aussiewrestler1) April 4, 2018

@CricketAust kudos to steve smith for saying he won't be appealing his year ban - that in spite of his 'professional' body saying that CA should reduce the ban! let's see how warner reacts now! #Cricketaustralia

— rsidney (@rdotsidney) April 4, 2018

David Warner should hire whoever is advising Steve Smith https://t.co/8CCRRuf9N8

— Alicia Loxley (@alicialoxley) April 4, 2018