Banned Australian test captain Steve Smith has given his first media interview since his sensational press conference upon arrival in Australia in March after the fallout of the ball-tampering scandal.
The incident, summed up by Aussie cricketers essentially getting caught for doing the same thing that every other cricketing nation does by trying to alter the roughness of a cricket ball to influence it’s movement for bowlers, caused a mass hysteria amongst Aussies, even being labelled by then PM Malcolm Turnbull (ex-leader club mate) as a “shocking disappointment.”
Aussie rookie Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera in a test match in Cape Town roughing up the ball with sandpaper (illegal by cricketing laws) and when caught on the replay, attempted to conceal the paper down his pants.
In the post-play press conference, captain Smith then revealed that the move was premeditated from the leadership group, bringing then vice captain Dave Warner into the fray.
The NT News provided the best headline of the year
Smith, who has been smashing it in grade cricket for Sutherland whilst serving his 12-month ban, told media today that upon reflection 9 months later it was “my leadership failure” and that instead of stepping in to stop the incident, he chose to tell team mates that he “didn’t want to know anything about it.”
“I’ve taken responsibility for that (the incident)” he added, clearly keen to move ahead with his cricketing career after serving his time.
Check out the full analysis of the saga below
Smith became more philosophical about the incident when asked about how consequences can stem from the smallest of actions.
“”If things go pear-shaped, what’s it going look like? If things go well, how does that look?
“Now it’s about learning, and almost slowing your thinking down.”
Smith was adamant that his sole focus was to aim to play for Australia when he is next eligible for international selection in March, which would put him in contention for Australia’s world cup campaign.
Smith didn’t comment on any potential leadership aspirations, but if Aussie “leadership” trends are anything to go by we shouldn’t read to much into that one.
The Aussie side is currently captained by the Steve Bradbury of Aussie cricket Tim Paine, who spent nearly a decade out of the team due to injury, but was sensationally selected and even more spectacularly handed the captaincy reigns after Smith and Warner’s fall from grace.
Actual footage of Tim Paine taking over as captain
“…If I get back and play under them, I’ll do everything I can to help them out and help Australia have success,” said Smith, adding that “Tim Paine has done an exceptional job.”
The Aussies are currently embroiled in the middle of thrilling test series against India. With things leveled at 1-1, expect the boxing day test in Melbourne starting next week to be huge.
Watch the full interview below
