The Last Time I Left Here It Wasn't Pretty, Steve Smith Recalls The Sandpaper Scandal

Apart from aiding Australia to stamp their authority, Steve Smith will have to face the demons of his past. It was South Africa where the Sandpaper scandal broke out nearly two years ago.

Smith, however, refuses to make a matter out of it and insists that it has been a pleasant experience so far. The cricketer lost his captaincy and was banned from playing for an year for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering controversy.

Steve Smith makes no fuss about crowd hostility

“It’s nice to be back playing in South Africa,” Smith told reporters on Wednesday. “The last time I was here things didn’t end overly well, but I’ve also got really fond memories of playing here.

The 30-year-old said memories from the past did haunt him as he stepped into the hotel where the Australian team is staying. The crowd is expected to be vocal and remind Smith of his past misdeeds.

“Just walking into the hotel in Sandton, initially I was like, ‘the last time I left here it wasn’t pretty’. It wasn’t the best time in my life. But I’ve moved on from that and learned a lot.

Since his return to top-level cricket, Smith hit a couple of tons and a fine double hundred against England in their backyard. He had a fruitful ODI series against India earlier this year and his T20I record is intact.

“I’ve been back playing for a year now. I’m really enjoying it and I feel like I’m playing well. I’m in a nice place. Everywhere I have been the people have been lovely. Guys have come up and taken some photos and been really nice,” he said.

Smith doesn’t see any bad blood and even went on to say that he was in touch with the Proteas cricketers. He said that Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers were in touch with him and playing in the IPL helped him rub shoulders with his mates. “It’s been normal, the same as compared to when I’ve been here previously. It’s a terrific place to tour and I’m glad to be back.” Smith concluded.