Sydney, Dec 21 (IBNS): Suspended former Australian skipper Steve Smith on Friday described the Cape Town ball-tampering episode as a 'big mistake' and said he is trying to improve as a person.
Smith, who is considered one of the best batsmen to play the game, has opened up the "dark days" since the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.
He also appreciated the performance of his successor Tim Paine and his leadership abilities.
"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," Smith was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia website.
"There have been some dark days where I haven’t wanted to get out of bed and things like that," he said.
"But I’ve had a close group of people around me to help me know that it’s OK," Smith said.
"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," he said.
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, will end at the end of March next year.
During this phase, the former Australia skipper playedT20 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.
Smith appreciated Paine and Australia's performance in the Perth test where the national side beat India to level the series 1-1.
"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," Smith said.
"But I was really proud of the way the boys played last week in Perth.," he said.
"I thought they were magnificent and I think Tim Paine’s leadership has been exceptional since taking over as captain," Smith said.
Paine has been leading the side in Test since the scandal hit the Australian side in Cape Town this year.
Smith said Paine has done a 'terrific job' as a leader.
After Smith's ban ends next year, Australia's major assignments will be the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the Ashes in the UK.
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