Former Aussie cricket captain Steve Smith’s Vodafone ad prompts debate

A new advertising campaign by Vodafone featuring disgraced former Australian cricket captain Steve Smith has prompted fierce debate on social media.

Viewers appear to be split on the advertisement, which shows Smith candidly discussing his experience following the ball tampering revelations in March.

The advertisement, which appears to be more about mental health than mobile phone

“I was in a pretty dark space,” he says.

“It made me realise what other people go through and what they need to get through those difficult times.”

Smith’s monologue is interspersed with images of him playing cricket and talking to a group of young boys in a classroom setting.

But Vodafone hit back at the negative reviews of its ad, saying Smith’s story struck a chord.

“We are supporting Steve Smith in his mission to spread awareness about mental health for young Australians,” the organisation said.

The advertisement was released ahead of Smith’s first press conference since the ball tampering scandal took place in South Africa earlier this year.

Smith will face the media in Australia for the first time at the Sydney Cricket Ground tomorrow, before training with the Sydney Sixers ahead of their clash with the Perth Scorchers on Saturday.

The 29-year-old was banned from Aussie domestic and international cricket for 12 months after the ball-tampering incident that also netted suspensions for David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.