Vodafone Australia is using one of the biggest scandals in the Australian cricket, the ball-tampering episode as the theme of its new ‘Gutsy is calling’ advertising campaign. The telecom brand created an advertisement which tells the story of the disgraced captain Steve Smith and includes news footage from the distress in which he and teammates David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were suspended.
Cricket Australia (CA) had decided to ban the trio for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town in March. In the advertisement, Smith talks about honesty, fronting up to mistakes and overcoming difficult times and is filmed doing so in soft-lit scenes where he is seen with schoolchildren and back out in the middle playing club cricket.
In the minute-long commercial, Steve said, “Everything I dreamed of, everything I was a part of was just falling to pieces. 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 mistakes; it’s about the way you respond to it that’s really important. I want to come back better than I was.”
ALSO READ: Steve Smith Signs A Contract With A BPL Franchise
Smith’s staring role in the commercial comes on the back of him teaming up with Australian television and radio personality Gus Worland as an ambassador in the Gotcha4Life school programme. Gotcha4Life teaches teenage boys the importance of opening up and having courageous conversations.
The Vodafone commercial also features Smith playing for his beloved Sutherland Cricket Club and talking about the challenges and struggles he has faced since the ball-tampering episode. There have also been some of the footages from his emotional press conference immediately after the controversy.
Here is the video of the advertisement:
https://youtu.be/GkC46v_0nb0
CA’s sanctions for Smith, Warner, and Bancroft for their part in the ball-tampering scandal prevent them from playing international and Australian domestic cricket, but not club cricket.
Smith and Warner will be eligible for national selection again in March and Bancroft from December 30 after serving a shorter nine-month ban.
