'I Made a Big Mistake and I am Trying to Move On' - Steven Smith

Suspended Australia batsman, Steven Smith has opened up about the ‘dark days’ in his career. Speaking to the media for the first time since the tearful press conference in March, Smith says he is doing okay and is trying to move on. Backing the love and support he had received from the family and close friends, Steven Smith calls himself fortunate.

However, the past nine months have been pretty ‘dark’ for the ex-Aussie skipper. Revealing how he had felt post the ball-tampering saga, Smith says there were days when he didn’t want to come out of bed. Furthermore, Smith pressed on the fact that constant support from the closed-ones helped him move on.

‘I am going OK’ – Smith

In March 2018, Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft got suspended for ball-tampering in the Cape Town Test. For deliberately using the outside substance, sandpaper, to alter the condition of the ball, the trio, was found guilty and later got punished. While CA suspended Bancroft for nine months, Smith and Warner handed 12-month ban from cricket.

Terming the lay-off period as dar, Smith said,

“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. 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 speaks highly off Tim Paine

Meanwhile, Steven Smith spoke highly of current Australia Test captain, Tim Paine. As Australia won the Perth Test by 146 runs to level the four-match series, Steven calls Paine’s leadership magnificent. Furthermore, Smith says since taking over the leadership role in Tests, Paine is handling his teammates well.

When asked about how he feels about Australia’s performance of late, Smith says it becomes difficult for him to watch his team suffer; but believes, the mighty Aussies would return in style.

“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. 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.”

However, the third Test begins on Boxing Day at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).