Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith still haunted by 2018 ball-tampering scandal during 'Sandpapergate'
- The former Australia captain prepares for his first Test series in South Africa since the incident
- Smith aims to move past the traumatic experience and focus on his cricket
Steve Smith, the former Australia captain, is set to return to South Africa for his first Test series since the infamous 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal in 2018. The incident, which is considered one of Australian sport's darkest moments, saw Smith, along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, banned and stripped of leadership roles.
Speaking to News Corp, Smith admitted that he is still haunted by the traumatic experience, particularly the flashbacks to the 24-48 hours after the scandal broke. He described the initial period as difficult, with a mental state that was not great. However, he has since bounced back, scoring a century against England on his return and going on to accumulate 10,920 Test runs at an average of 56.
Despite the traumatic experience, Smith is preparing to face hostile crowds in South Africa. He has been back to the country for white-ball series since 2018, but not for a Test. The 37-year-old is undaunted, having already negotiated multiple Ashes tours to England, where he faced relentless abuse from the Barmy Army.
Smith stated, 'It’s something I’m kind of used to. I’ve copped a lot at times away from home at different venues across my career and it’s something that I take in my own stride.' He added, 'I use it as motivation to try and go out and do well and try and take a positive from it.'
The first Test in Durban is set for October 9, followed by matches in Gqeberha and Cape Town. Smith is determined to put the past behind him and focus on his cricket. He said, 'I’ve tried to kind of erase a lot of 2018 and what happened. I can’t remember a lot about the series. I’ve tried to block most of it out of my memory bank.'
Smith's return to South Africa is a significant moment for Australian cricket, as the team aims to rebuild its reputation after the scandal. The series is expected to be a test of both Smith's mental resilience and the team's ability to move past the incident.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland, who was involved in the decision to ban Smith, has since stepped down. The incident has left a lasting impact on Australian cricket, and Smith's return to South Africa is a crucial step in the team's recovery.
Smith's preparation for the series is focused on moving forward. He said, 'I’m not a big fan of cameras… I get anxious around cameras to be honest. That was a traumatic experience in my life and when I hear the flash of a camera it makes me revisit that in a way.'
The series is expected to be a challenging one for Smith and the Australian team, but Smith is determined to use the experience as motivation. He said, 'It’s something that I take in my own stride. I use it as motivation to try and go out and do well and try and take a positive from it.'
I’m not a big fan of cameras… I get anxious around cameras to be honest.
Steve Smith, Former Australia captain
That was a traumatic experience in my life and when I hear the flash of a camera it makes me revisit that in a way.
Steve Smith, Former Australia captain
I use it as motivation to try and go out and do well and try and take a positive from it.
Steve Smith, Former Australia captain
