Steve Smith has emerged as the frontrunner to take on the vice-captaincy of Australia’s Test cricket team, expected to be made deputy to current vice-captain Pat Cummins.

The anticipated promotion has attracted criticism from those who don’t believe Smith should be given a second chance after the ball-tampering scandal.

Gotcha4Life founder and friend of Steve Smith Gus Worland backed his mate, telling  Ben Fordham the cricketer has offered genuine and heartfelt apologies for cheating on multiple occasions, including during school visits.

During one visit, Smith’s “open, honest and vulnerable” speech made a profound impact on the lives of two students, even saving their lives.

“The headmaster … phoned us and he’s said … ‘I’ve got two boys, one with me in my office, and one in the counsellor’s office.

“‘Both boys had planned to take their own lives this evening.’

“Both boys decided because Steve … had shown them that you could actually have problems and ask for help, they both went … ‘I’m going to ask someone for help one last time’.”

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