Steve Smith relaxes in New York bar as talk emerges of Fox Sports role
EXILED Australian captain Steve Smith could spend his 12-month suspension in the commentary box of Fox Sports’ souped-up cricket coverage.
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EXILED Australian captain Steve Smith could spend his 12-month suspension in the commentary box of Fox Sports’ souped-up cricket coverage.
The pay TV operator has vowed to stand by Smith as the network prepares to launch a contemporary new-look broadcast team to revolutionise the summer coverage of cricket.
Smith’s exact role at Fox Sports has yet to be determined. He is likely to be part of magazine shows on the pay TV network’s new cricket channel and could also be in the commentary box next summer while serving out his 12-month suspension.
Smith lost corporate deals with Weet-Bix and the Commonwealth Bank during the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa but will continue to work for Fox Sports, where he is under a long-term contract.
Smith has temporarily set up camp in New York in the aftermath of the scandal and has been spotted looking jovial and relaxed at Hotel 50 Bowery bar in the Chinatown precinct.
Foxtel supremo Patrick Delany wants Smith to play a lead role as part of cricket’s new $1.2 billion deal in which Fox Sports and Channel 7 will share the coverage for the next six years, ending the game’s 40-year association with Channel Nine.
“I was as hurt as any Australian when it (ball-tampering) happened,” Delany said.
“We all had a piece of our hearts broken. But Steve and the other boys showed true remorse and copped it sweet with the penalties.
“Australia is a place where we accept people make mistakes and we also give them a second chance.
“When it happened we all got together and said we’ve known Steve for a long time. He’s been on our books for many years and we should stand by him.
“We had billboards everywhere with Steve Smith on them promoting our sports package offer.”
Rather than kicking the Australian captain while he is down, Fox Sports executives have stayed in contact with his agent Warren Craig to check on his welfare.
Smith has been spotted in New York enjoying a beer with two male companions.
“He was laughing and joking with his mates,” said an onlooker.
“He looked pretty happy and very relaxed — more like a local than an Aussie cricketer.”
Fox Sports is also refusing to rule out a role for Australia’s favourite commentator, Bill Lawry, as part of its coverage of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
“We’re not ruling out anyone,” Delany said. “I’ve already had my three brothers on the phone about getting Bill on board. We’ve got grey hair all over the place. Why is diversity just about women? It should be about all races and ages.”
Broadcast partners Channel 7 has had approaches from many big commentary stars.
There is speculation it wants to lock in Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne. An experienced presenter is expected to take on a senior hosting role.