Steve Smith has returned to Australia, declaring he is ready to move on from the ball-tampering scandal that cost him the captaincy and led to a 12-month ban from the game. In an Instagram post on Friday alongside his fiancée Dani Willis, Smith acknowledged his “appalling error of judgment” in Cape Town and vowed to work to regain the trust of fans.
“I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it's time to get back into it,” Smith wrote. “The amount of emails and letters I have received has been incredible and I have been extremely humbled by the enormous amount of support you have given me. I now have a lot to do to earn back your trust.”
Smith was banned alongside former vice-captain David Warner, who also received a 12-month suspension, and opener Cameron Bancroft, who was banned for nine months. The bans prevent the trio from playing international or domestic cricket in Australia, but they remain free to sign with English county sides.
It is unclear whether Smith will pursue a county move, but he is expected to return to grade cricket in Sydney next summer. The 28-year-old also has a commentary role with Fox Sports under their new broadcast deal. Newly-appointed Australian coach Justin Langer has indicated he would welcome the banned players back once their suspensions are served.
