Former Australia captain Steve Smith is not going to be seen in action for the next 12 months due to being banned over his role in the ball-tampering saga, but there is a chance for the masses to witness him in a new role. Smith was found guilty of being aware of the plan to tamper the ball but did nothing to stop it and, as a result, had to face the repercussion since he was the captain of the team.

It has been estimated that Smith is set to lose over $5 million in the next year due to his suspension – $2 million of which comes from his central contract with Cricket Australia.

He also lost his payday in the Indian Premier League due to his non-participation there and could now be seen in a new role as a commentator with Foxtel on the network’s new cricket channel, according to Daily Telegraph Australia.

Only recently, Foxtel and Channel Seven put an end to Channel Nine’s four-decade run of broadcasting Australian cricket by agreeing a $930 million deal that runs for the next six years.

The two networks are looking for a team of analysts and commentators to fill up the void for next summer’s coverage, with Steve Smith being touted to do commentary while also offering his opinions on magazine shows.

It would be interesting to see the public reaction to Smith’s new role as a commentator. While the former captain might be disgraced, he has the sympathy of most Australians and they would perhaps welcome him with warmth.