Vodafone uses Smith’s ball-tampering shame in advert
Disgraced former Australia cricket captain Steve Smith has tied up with the local arm of Vodacom’s UK parent Vodafone in an advertising campaign that leverages the nation’s ball-tampering shame for marketing purposes. Smith, along with former vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, remains banned from international and state-level cricket in Australia as he serves out a 12-month suspension for his part in the Cape Town scandal. Vodafone Australia’s “Gutsy is calling” advert starts with a voice overlay of Smith’s tearful apology when he addressed the media upon his return home from SA before cutting to scenes of him playing for local club Sutherland and conducting a coaching clinic. “Everything I dreamed of, everything I was a part of was just falling to pieces,” Smith says in the advert. “I was in a pretty dark space. It was just about being upfront and honest and taking responsibility. “I’ve certainly had some difficult days. But it’s OK to be vulnerable. Everyone makes mis...
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