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'I didn't want to get out of bed': Smith

Batsman opens up on "dark days" after ball-tampering scandal in first press conference in Australia since South African tour

Suspended Australia batsman Steve Smith has opened up about the "dark days" since the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal and praised the leadership of his successor and Test skipper Tim Paine.

On Friday, Smith spoke to the media for the first time on Australian soil since his tearful press conference immediately after he returned home from South Africa, revealing there have been days where he hasn't wanted to get out of bed.

But nine months on, the 29-year-old said he's in good spirits due to the strong support of close friends and family.

"I’m going OK," Smith said at the SCG.

"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.

Image Id: 93A2F9418A8845D4ACDA546EF483A5BC Image Caption: Smith and a large media contingent at the SCG // Getty

"There have been some dark days where I haven’t wanted to get out of bed and things like that.

"But I’ve had a close group of people around me to help me know that it’s OK.

"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."


Smith's 12-month ban, for his involvement in the plan to deliberately use a foreign object – sandpaper – to artificially alter the condition of the ball in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town this year, concludes at the end of next March.

While serving his ban, the right-hander has played in T20 competitions in Canada and the Caribbean, featured for Sutherland in NSW Premier (club) Cricket and has batted in the nets against Australia's Test pace trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.

Steve Smith faces Aussies quicks at SCG

While he has been on the sidelines, Australia have endured mixed results on the field.

The ODI team was whitewashed in England and lost to the Proteas on home soil, the T20 side lost in the final of the tri-series in Zimbabwe and later drew with India at home, while the Test outfit played valiantly in a losing cause in the UAE and only this week levelled the series against Virat Kohli's India. 

Smith said it's been tough watching his former teammates struggle knowing he cannot help them with a match-winning performance like has done so often in the past.

Smith recalls dark days while banned

But Smith praised Australia for their 146-run win at Perth Stadium and the captaincy of Paine, who was made interim captain in the wakes of the Newlands episode before being handed the top job on a full-time basis.

"It’s been tough (watching) at times, particularly when the boys haven’t played their best in a couple of games," he said.

"It’s been hard watching and knowing that I can’t go out and help them.

Image Id: 053D0170058749B6AA7B67FABFFB580C Image Caption: Smith smiles at the end of his press conference // Getty

"But I was really proud of the way the boys played last week in Perth.

"I thought they were magnificent and I think Tim Paine’s leadership has been exceptional since taking over as captain.

"He’s obviously been faced with difficult circumstances to begin with but he’s done a terrific job."

Australia's first assignment after his ban lifts will be the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the Ashes in the UK.

Smith outlined his playing schedule between now and the start of the World Cup but is not expecting to walk back into the national side as soon as he becomes eligible.

Smith, Warner meet in Sydney

Should he be picked in Australia's World Cup or Ashes squads, or both, Smith is ready for a frosty reception 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 been expecting to feature in this year's Bangladesh Premier League, but has been barred from the competition on technical grounds, but will continue his globe-trotting T20 ways in the lead up to his suspension expiring.

"I was playing in the Bangladesh league … then there’s the PSL and the IPL, which I think is adequate preparation for the World Cup if I’m selected," Smith said.

"The way the one-day game is playing it’s almost an extended T20 so T20 cricket is a good way to prepare."

While Smith was banned for 12 months, he cannot hold a leadership position in Australian cricket for two years from the time the penalty was levelled.

He was asked whether he had future captaincy ambitions but said for the moment his focus is returning to the national team. 

Smith celebrates T20 title in SCG return

"I just want to get back playing and try and contribute to the team as much as I can and just help out anyone who is around, Tim (Paine) and Finchy  (limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch) as well. We’ll see what the future holds.

"But at the moment I'm just preparing to play and I'm excited by that prospect."

Between his club cricket duties, Smith has been working with radio identity Gus Worland as part of Gotcha4Life to help raise the awareness of mental health and help save the lives on men and boys in Australia.

"The number of suicides in Australia is far too high; six men and two women a day for 25 million people or thereabouts, I think it's unacceptable," he said.

"I'm trying to do what I can to create that awareness around it and that's what the campaign is about."

If you or someone you know needs support, visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/