Smith back in lion’s den

Batting great savours calm before storm

BEN HORNE

STEVE Smith admits he had flashbacks to his week from hell when he walked back into his Johannesburg hotel, but overall the first few days of his return to South Africa has shown him that time does heal.

In the wake of the Sandpapergate scandal two years ago, Smith lay awake in his Johannesburg hotel room, an emotional wreck, as he awaited punishment to be handed down by Cricket Australia.

When he was finally sent home, the scenes of Smith being mobbed by security guards at Johannesburg airport endure as distressing images of his immense suffering.

Smith is expecting a torrid reception at the infamous The Wanderers ground in Johannesburg for his return match on Friday, but largely he says his experience back in the country where his life changed in 2018, has felt remarkably … normal.

Two years ago, Smith was a global news story, but yesterday only three local journalists were there to hear him speak for the first time on South African soil since Cape Town.

Smith has had only one flashback since arriving last Friday, and insists he won’t be haunted by his last visit.

“Only probably walking into the hotel (the same hotel as last time). Just initially I was like, ‘last time I left here it wasn’t pretty.’” Said Smith.

“It wasn’t the best time in my life. I moved on from that, learned a lot over the last two years. It’s good to be back here playing and I’m looking forward to this series.

“It’s been pretty normal to when I’ve been here previously. Nothing really different. It’s been good.”

Smith knows that will all change on Friday night, with a sellout anticipated at The Wanderers — known around the cricket world as being one of the most savage venues for opposition players.

But he’s not fearful of the abuse that might come his way in the opening Twenty20 international.

Players association boss Alistair Nicholson was at training yesterday and will be on hand for the match to provide any support necessary.

Coach Justin Langer has prepared his players for a reception worse than anything they encountered on last year’s

Ashes in England. “No doubt it’ll be hostile. It’s hostile at the best of times here,” said Smith.

“For me, it doesn’t bother me too much. Justin said something the other day, that we had the dress rehearsal in England where there was a fair bit going on.

“I don’t notice it when I’m batting, I block it out. I do notice a little bit when I’m fielding … but it’s just words … it doesn’t affect me.

“It’s just getting on with the business and doing the job.”