Australia batsman Steve Smith said that his reception in South Africa has been “lovely” since it is his first tour since the infamous ball-tampering scandal took place in 2018. Australia will take on the hosts South Africa in the first match of a three-game Twenty20 International series at a ground famous for its hostile atmosphere. Smith and David Warner faced one year banned by Cricket Australia and Cameron Bancroft for nine months, after their involvement in the sandpaper issue during a Test in March 2018.
“It’s nice to be back playing in South Africa,” Smith told reporters. “The last time I was here things didn’t end overly well, but I’ve also got really fond memories of playing here.”
“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. 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,” he added.
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Steve Smith added that he didn’t receive any bad comments from South African fans off the pitch so far.
“Everywhere I have been the people have been lovely. Guys have come up and taken some photos and been really nice,” he said. “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.”
But he expects that it could change when the game begins.
“I think they’re hostile here at the best of times,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me too much. (Coach) Justin (Langer) said the other day that we had the dress rehearsal in England (last year). There was a fair bit going on there.
“I don’t notice it, particularly when I’m batting. Maybe a little bit when I’m fielding, but then again, it’s just words, it doesn’t affect me. It’s about getting on with the job.”
The first T20I series will take place in Johannesburg, before moving to Port Elizabeth on Sunday and finally Cape Town next Wednesday. The sides will then play a three-match ODI matches.
