Ball tampering scam: R Ashwin, Gautam Gambhir express solidarity with Steve Smith

"The world simply wants to see you cry, once you have cried they will feel satisfied and live happily ever after. If only Empathy was not just a Word and people still had it. God give @stevesmith49 and Bancroft all the strength to come out of this.," Ashwin tweeted.

"And @davidwarner31 will also need the strength to fight it out, hopefully their players union will provide them with all the support," he said.

Smith broke down as he spoke to the media on Thursday and took responsibility for the ball tampering episode on himself.

He apologised to people of the nation for the incident.

Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir also came out to support in his period of crisis and said he does not look like a 'cheat' to him.

"I may be getting emotional but @stevesmith49 doesn’t look to me a cheat. Don’t know about u but I see in him a desperate leader trying to win a Test match for his country, his team. Yes, indeed, his methods were questionable but let’s not label him corrupt #BallTamperingScandal," Gambhir posted.

Cricket Australia banned Smith and Warner for 12 months from playing international cricket and Cameron for nine months after they were found guilty in the ball-tampering scam.

The incident occurred during the third Test match between Australia and South Africa.

South Africa are currently ahead in the series 2-1.

Australian coach Darenn Lehmann also resigned from his post on Thursday.

Crikcet Australia earlier said he was not connected to the episode.

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