Smith returns to Australia, vows earning back fans’ support

MUMBAI: Banned Australia captain Steve Smith on Friday thanked his family and fiancee Dani Willis for their support, as he announced return to his home in Australia vowing to earn back trust and support of his fans.

Smith made his first post on his social media pages after he had announced accepting Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to ban him from playing any form of top flight cricket in the country as well as a two-year ban from leadership role in Australian cricket.

Smith, along with his deputy David Warner and the young opening batsman Cameron Bancroft, was banned for one year for their involvement in the balltampering episode that rocked cricket fraternity during the Cape Town Test earlier this year.

Upon his return from South Africa, Smith had not only held a tearful press conference but had also declared that he would accept the punishment handed out by Cricket Australia.

“It’s great to be back home in Australia. I have had some time away to come to terms with everything and now it’s time to get back into it,” Smith wrote on Friday.

“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. To my Mum, Dad and Dani you have been my rock through this and I can’t thank you enough. Family is the most important thing in the world and I thank you for your love and support,” Smith added.