Former Australia skipper Steve Smith had a tumultuous trip to South Africa the last time he visited the country. He was involved in the ignominious ball-tampering scandal that resulted in a one-year suspension for him and David Warner.
Having made a stellar comeback to international cricket from the depths of despair surrounding the aftermath of the cheating fiasco, Smith is now looking forward to focusing on his batting performances in his latest trip to South Africa. Dismissing the extent of the hostile reception he is expected to receive in the African nation, Smith said he does not let such behavior affect him.
“I think they’re hostile here at the best of times. It doesn’t bother me too much. Justin (Langer) said the other day that we had the dress rehearsal in England (in 2019). There was a fair bit going on there. I don’t notice it, particularly when I’m batting,” Smith claimed.