Star Sussex signing Rashid Khan has sent a very public message of support to shamed Australia skipper Steve Smith.

Khan, who will play Twenty20 cricket for Sharks this summer, said he stands by Smith, who has been banned for his part in the Aussie ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

But the Afghanistan spinner says “desperate” Smith did wrong during the third Test.

Writing on Twitter, Khan told his 101,000 followers: “Dear @stevesmith49. We stand with you in your difficult time.

“You have given a lot to the cricket world and to your country and I know you were desperate to win the game but unfortunately in a wrong way and that’s so good that you accepted your mistake.

“Hope to see you back soon to serve your country.”

Khan leads the ICC rankings for Twenty20 bowlers and is second for one-day internationals.

He is joining Sussex for the Vitality T20 Blast this season.

The county are selling match tickets for the Blast at 2009 prices until midnight tonight. Details at sussexcricket.co.uk.

Sussex’s two-day friendly at home to Hampshire turned out to be a complete washout.

They hope to face Loughborough MCCU at the 1st Central County Ground in a three-dayer starting tomorrow (11am), admission free.