Steve Smith admits to still being haunted by the 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering controversy from 2018 which led to his ban and removal as Australia's captain.
Despite the emotional distress, Smith remains determined as he prepares for his first Test series in South Africa since the scandal, recalling the difficult moments he faced during that period.
Reflecting on the intense scrutiny and backlash he faced, Smith acknowledges the mental toll it took on him but highlights his resilience by bouncing back with stellar performances post his ban.
With the upcoming Test series in South Africa, Smith braces himself for potential hostile crowds and remains focused on using any negativity as motivation to perform well on the field.
