Steve Smith has spoken about the long-term emotional effects of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, recalling how alone he felt during the aftermath and calling his return to Australia one of the most traumatic moments he has experienced.
The former Australia captain is set to play Test cricket in South Africa for the first time since the scandal, eight years after the Newlands incident in Cape Town that led to lengthy suspensions for Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
“I felt like I was kind of thrown to the wolves through (Johannesburg) airport. I didn't have any support there at all,” the 37-year-old told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.
“(The press conference) was a traumatic experience in my life and I still get little flashbacks, when I hear a camera and flashes, I relive it in a way ... They're intertwined in a way.”
SMITH'S FALL FROM GRACE IN CAPE TOWN
The controversy broke out during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands in March 2018. Television footage showed Bancroft using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball before trying to hide it inside his trousers. Smith later acknowledged that he knew about the plan but did not stop it.
Cricket Australia subsequently handed Smith and Warner 12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Smith was also removed as Australia captain, with all three players sent back home from the South Africa tour.
Following his arrival in Sydney, Smith became emotional and broke down during a press conference while apologising for his involvement in the controversy. Images of the former captain crying became one of the most recognisable moments of the scandal and have continued to shape his memories of that period.
Smith has previously said he believed the punishment imposed on him was severe, though he accepted the sanctions. He later acknowledged that he enjoyed certain aspects of his forced break from the pressures of international cricket.
He returned to Australia's squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup before making his Test comeback during that year's Ashes series. Smith made an immediate impact, scoring centuries in both innings of the opening Test at Edgbaston.
Smith is now preparing to take on South Africa once again. Australia are scheduled to play three ODIs followed by three Tests, with the Test series beginning in Durban on October 9 and the third Test set to be played in Cape Town from October 27.
