Smith says 2018 scandal still triggers camera anxiety

Steve Smith said he still feels anxious around cameras because of flashbacks to the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. The former Australia captain returns to South Africa for a Test series in October for the first time since the Cape Town incident. Smith was banned for 12 months along with David Warner after the third Test at Newlands.

Smith recalled the 24-48 hours after being told of his ban and the press conference that followed. He said he has tried to block most of the series from his memory. Australia will play three Tests in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town after a three-match ODI series.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said he expects some hostility from sections of the crowd but believes the reaction will not match an Ashes series. Six players from the 2018 squad remain in the current group.