This is what Steve Smith has said regarding ball-tampering scandal
Former Australian skipper Steve Smith is serving a 12-month ban alongside star player David Warner for their involvement in a ball-tampering scandal against South Africa. The ball-tampering incident happened earlier this year in March. Smith has opened up on how he failed as a skipper by turning a blind eye to what happened in South Africa. Here is more on the same.
I had the opportunity to stop it: Smith
According to a report in the AFP, Smith was asked about what went in the dressing room prior to the sandpaper scandal. "I had the opportunity to stop it at that point rather than say, 'I don't want to know anything about it'. And that was my failure of leadership. And, you know, I've taken responsibility for that." said Smith.
Smith and Warner were treated poorly by fans
Both the former Australian captain Smith and vice-captain Warner are serving a 12-month ban, while Cameron Bancroft was axed for 9 months. After Smith and Warner arrived in Australia, they were treated poorly by fans and in his press-conference the former Aussie skipper broke down completely. They were barred from playing domestic Sheffield Shield and the Big Bash Twenty20 competition besides international cricket.
Smith is desperate to return and represent Australia
Smith's suspension is running out at the end of March. He will be seen in the Indian Premier League 2019 season captaining the Rajasthan Royals. Post the event, there is the ICC World Cup 2019, followed by the Ashes. The player is desperate to return, with both the big international assignments in his sights.
Smith awaiting another opportunity to play for Australia
"I'm just moving forward day to day, and doing what I need to do to prepare to hopefully get another opportunity to play for Australia. And if that's World Cup and Ashes, so be it. And no doubt the English crowd will be incredibly hostile."
It's been hard watching Australia play, says Smith
The ball-tampering scandal rocked Australia and the performances since then affected them across formats. It was difficult to see Australia play the way they did and Smith agreed. "It's been tough at times, particularly when the boys haven't played their best in a couple of games, it's been hard watching and knowing that I can't go out and help them," he said
