Former Australia captain Steve Smith has lifted the lid on the emotional toll that has weighed on him since the ball-tampering scandal, admitting it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Smith still needs to serve just over three months of his one-year suspension for his failed leadership during the Cape Town scandal that brought Australian cricket to its knees.
Since Cricket Australia imposed the heavy sanctions, the world class batsman has shied away from media attention while keeping himself warm for next year's Ashes series in Sydney grade cricket, along with various T20 competitions.
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But in an advertisement for telco Vodafone, that should pump up Australian fans for his long-awaited return, Smith detailed the burden he carried and the reality check that slapped him in the face following his ban.
"Everything I dreamed of, everything I was a part of was just falling to pieces," Smith said.
"I was in a pretty dark space.
''It made me realise what other people go through and what they need to get through those difficult times.
"It was just about being upfront and honest and taking responsibility.
"I've certainly had some difficult days. But it's okay to be vulnerable. Everyone makes mistakes. it's about the way you respond to it that's really important."
We all make mistakes, Steve Smith being no exception. Find out how he took ownership and moved forward: https://t.co/tDShP4fv7e @stevesmith49 pic.twitter.com/pwP7AOlVS1
— Vodafone Australia (@VodafoneAU) December 18, 2018
Smith has averaged 35.70 across nine innings in Sydney grade cricket, eyeing off a comeback in next year's Ashes series and World Cup.
He was recently appointed as skipper for Sutherland in the Kingsgrove Sports Twenty20 Cup final, defeating Sydney University over the weekend in the final.
