The Yorkshire Post says: How to say sorry. Cricket and the downfall of Steve Smith

If only he had showed such contrition when his win-at-all-costs team was caught out for its cheating and arrogance. If he’d done so, the world’s best batsman may not be facing a year-long exile.

Rarely since shamed sprinter Ben Johnson’s positive dope test at the Seoul Olympics 30 years ago has a high-profile sportsman endured such a rapid fall from grace. Yet Smith deserves a scintilla of sympathy for the manner of yesterday’s apology.

He took full responsibility, said he’d let his parents down and expressed a wish that all cricketers learn from his stupidity, respect the game and uphold the values of sportsmanship that had stood the test of time until recently.

At the start of a new domestic season here, perhaps there’s some hope left for the summer game after such a dark week.