Smith breaks silence

Sydney: Banished Australian captain Steve Smith has broken an eight-month silence, opening up on his ‘leadership failure’ during the balltampering scandal and answering questions about a possible return as Australian captain and rumours of a rift with David Warner. Smith has spoken to reporters for the first time in Australia since repeatedly breaking down upon arrival at Sydney airport after the Cape Town cheating scandal. Smith says he hasn’t thought about leading Australia again, praising Tim Paine and Aaron Finch’s leadership in his absence. Smith said he expects a hostile reception from English crowds in next year’s World Cup and Ashes, should he be selected.

“One thing that I’ve always done pretty well when I’m playing is block things out ... no doubt the Barmy Army are pretty loud but it’s just about staying in your own mind and not letting those external distractions take you over ... I think that’s one thing I’ve done pretty well in my career and hopefully I can do again when I come back.” Quizzed about his role in the ball-tampering scandal, Smith said: “I walked past something and had the opportunity to stop it and I didn’t do it. That was my leadership failure.” -Herald Sun Basin Reserve pitch, Stead called for more assistance for the bowlers on New Zealand surfaces which he rated the most batsman-friendly in the world.

Sri Lankan duo Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews batted 108.4 overs together in a record unbroken fourth wicket partnership of 274 to save a draw for the visitors, helped by some day five Wellington rain. Opener Tom Latham earlier batted 694 minutes for his 264 not out - the third-longest New Zealand test innings and sixth-highest. Stead had some sympathy for groundsman Hagen Faith, observing the strong day four wind had “sucked the moisture” out of the pitch. The usual Basin bounce was absent and there was nothing for the quicks to get enthused about. It also meant an end to New Zealand’s run of nine straight wins in November-December tests at home.

-Stuff NZ