Former Australia captain Steve Smith admitted there have been some “dark days” following the notorious ball-tampering scandal in South Africa that saw him handed a one-year ban.
Cameron Bancroft’s attempt to manipulate the ball with what was later revealed to be sandpaper was a plan orchestrated, according to a Cricket Australia investigation, by vice-captain David Warner.
Smith was found to have known about the plan midway through the third Test against the Proteas at Cape Town in March but failed to prevent it and, as such, all three players received lengthy suspensions.
Speaking to the media for the first time since a tearful press conference on his return to Australia in the aftermath of the controversy, Smith opened up on a range of issues.
He said in quotes on the Cricket Australia’s website: “I’ve made a mistake and it was a big mistake and I’m trying to move on from that and improve as a person.
“There have been some dark days where I haven’t wanted to get out of bed and things like that.
“I’ve had tough days, I’ve had my ups and downs. But I’ve been really fortunate to have a close group of people around me to help me through those difficult times.”
Smith’s ban applies to international and domestic cricket but he has featured in T20 leagues in Canada and the Caribbean – although he has been barred from the Bangladesh Premier League early next year on technical grounds.
He will be available for Australia’s World Cup and Ashes campaigns in England next year and, if selected, he expects a hostile response from the English crowds.
“Hopefully (I will) get another opportunity to play for Australia,” he said. “And if that’s in a World Cup and Ashes, so be it.
“No doubt the English crowd will be incredibly hostile and I’m ready for that if that was to happen. Nothing’s for certain, I’ll keep working hard and if I get that opportunity again that’ll be great.
“One thing I’ve always done pretty well is blocking out exterior noise and getting on with the job.
“No doubt the Barmy Army are loud and you can’t block out as much but it’s about staying in your own mind and not letting distractions take you over.”
Smith had warm words for Tim Paine and Aaron Finch, who have captained Australia in his absence.
“I think Tim Paine’s leadership has been exceptional since taking over as captain,” he said. “He’s obviously been faced with difficult circumstances to begin with but he’s done a terrific job.”
As part of Smith’s punishment, the 29-year-old is unable to hold a leadership position until 2020, and he was coy as to whether he aspired to be captain again.
He added to reporters: “It’s too early to say. I just want to get back playing and try to contribute to the team as much as I can and just help out.”
