Humbled Smith says it’s ‘time to get back into it’

Former Australia captain Steve Smith has broken his silence and says he is ready to earn back the trust of the public after being given a one-year ban.

Smith was suspended by Cricket Australia following the ball-tampering saga that rocked the cricket world when the Aussies toured South Africa in March.

The 28-year-old Smith, along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, was sent home in disgrace from the tour with the former skipper breaking down at a press conference in Sydney on arrival back home.

Now, after accepting that he will be out of the game, Smith said he was “humbled” by the messages of support he has received.

Smith said on Instagram: “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.

“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.”

New Australia coach Justin Langer has said that there is a way back into the Australia team for all three banned players.

Langer said on Thursday at his first press conference: “Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith, literally besides Mike Hussey, love the game more than anyone I know. “They are cricket tragics, and they’re great kids.

That’s why it was such a surprise they made the mistake they did. Davey Warner is the same. He’s a really good young bloke, he made a mistake. I love the way he plays his cricket.

Has he got areas to get better at? Yep. Has Steve Smith? Yep. Has Cameron Bancroft? Yep. Every single person in Australian cricket? Yep.

If we can keep mentoring and helping them and they want to get better and meet the standards of the Australian cricket team of course they will be welcomed back.”

Smith and Warner will only be available to play for Australia in April 2019, about two months out from the World Cup. Bancroft, meanwhile, will be eligible by January 2019.

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