Traumatised Smith says he was 'thrown to wolves' over 'sandpapergate'

Australia batter Steve Smith says he remains traumatised by the fallout from the 2018 “sandpapergate” ball‑tampering scandal and still experiences flashbacks when confronted with camera flashes. Speaking to News Corp in an interview published Thursday, Smith described the episode as a traumatic chapter in his life. “I’m not a large instrumentality of cameras, I get anxious astir cameras,” he said. “That was a traumatic acquisition successful my beingness and erstwhile I perceive the flash of a camera it makes maine revisit that, successful a way.” The controversy erupted during Australia’s tour of South Africa when Cameron Bancroft was filmed rubbing sandpaper on the ball during the second innings of the third Test. After play ended that day, Bancroft admitted he had attempted to alter the ball’s condition, and Smith, then the team’s captain, acknowledged he had prior knowledge of the plan. Consequently, Smith was stripped of the captaincy and handed a twelve‑month ban by Cricket Australia. David Warner, the vice‑captain, received an identical one‑year suspension, while Bancroft was barred for nine months. Smith appeared tearful at a press conference held at Sydney Airport, where he apologised for his role. Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull commented that the affair “bitterly disappointed the full nation” and noted the intense media focus on Smith as he departed South Africa and upon his return home. Smith elaborated on the immediate aftermath of the sanction. “The 24‑48 hours aft being told by James Sutherland (then Cricket Australia main executive) that I was getting banned for a year, going done the airdrome successful Johannesburg getting perfectly mobbed, and past flying backmost and doing that property conference… I inactive person small flashbacks present and determination of it.” He added, “I felt similar I was benignant of thrown to the wolves done [Johannesburg] airport. I didn't person immoderate enactment determination astatine all.”