‘That was a traumatic experience’: Steve Smith reveals how aftermath of Sandpapergate on last SA tour still triggers his anxiety

Steve Smith, the former Australian captain, has revealed that the emotional scars from the Sandpapergate scandal of 2018 continue to affect him even eight years later. The incident, which involved ball tampering during a Test match in South Africa, led to Smith facing a 12-month ban from Cricket Australia, along with the dismissal of his captaincy.

In a recent interview with CODE Sports, Smith expressed that the camera flashes and chaotic atmosphere he experienced during the ball tampering scandal still trigger anxiety and traumatic memories. He stated that the 24-48 hours he spent in Johannesburg airport, being mobbed by the media, and the subsequent press conference were the toughest moments of his life.

Smith also recalled feeling like he was "thrown to the wolves" during that time, with no support from anyone. Despite the ban, Smith has gone on to have a successful career, including leading Australia to a World Cup victory in 2019. Now, as Australia prepares to play a three-match ODI series and a three-match Test series in South Africa, Smith's return to the country will be a return to the place where he faced the Sandpapergate controversy.