On the morning that the Ashes kicks off, Steve Smith gave a frank account of his own growth and maturity since ‘Sandpapergate’ – saying the last few years of his career had been good for him as a person.
“There’s some negative comments out there and I probably can’t change a lot of people’s minds, but that’s OK,” he said on 2GB.
“I know from my point of view, I know that I’ve grown so much over the last few years, I’ve evolved as a human being and I feel like I’m a better leader now than I was perhaps three or four years ago.
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“I’m excited to be back in a titled position as vice-captain and I’m going to help Pat in anyway that I can, and whenever he needs any help I’m here for him.”
Smith revealed there was a brief period in 2019 when he considered giving the game away entirely.
“I had a brief period of that when I had my elbow surgery … I couldn’t move my arm outside of like 90 degrees,” he said.
“I remember at that stage, for whatever reason, I just didn’t like cricket. It was really bizarre – I don’t know why that sort of came over me. But when it [arm brace] came off I was ready to get going again.”
Smith returns to a leadership role after the promotion of Cummins, following the resignation of Tim Paine.
“The boys have been in constant contact over the last few weeks and we’re always worried about his well being,” he said in regards to the former skipper.
“Your mental space is always incredibly important.”
Smith praised the work of Paine and his leadership over the past couple of years, saying the team was in a really good place.
“We’ve got to keep moving forward now, and Patrick’s going to do a fantastic job as skipper.”
The five Test series begins in Brisbane today, with Australia priced as heavy favourites.
“We’ve prepared really the last few weeks, the guys have worked really hard and Ashes series are always huge.”
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