Cummins: Smith just wants to move on from sandpapergate
Annabelle Banfield |
Pat Cummins says Steve Smith does not want to revisit the trauma of “sandpapergate”, desperate to move on from the scandal that has resurfaced after eight years.
Smith is expected to return to Australia in coming days, with the Test vice-captain tipped to play for NSW in the Sheffield Shield next week.
“I’ve spoken to Smithy,” Cummins revealed during his marathon 68-minute press conference on Friday to discuss claims from Usman Khawaja’s autobiography, Sabr.
“He’s dealt with this very traumatic time for him a long time ago. He wants to move on.”
Smith’s position is the complete opposite to David Warner, who both received a 12-month suspension from Cricket Australia in 2018.
Warner is hoping for another full investigation into the sandpaper incident and its aftermath.
Cummins believes Smith took ownership eight years ago for his role.
“Steve at the time, I think he said, ‘I was captain, I turned a blind eye, I walked past it’, and that’s exactly what he’s conveyed to me as well,” Cummins said.
“He’s owned up to it. I think it’s a sign of the man that Steve is.”
Smith is recovering well from the neck injury that ruled him out of the series decider against South Africa in Cape Town last month, and is on track to play in December’s first Test against New Zealand.
Smith’s withdrawal from the Cape Town Test had prompted suggestions of a rift between he and Cummins, particularly after the quick said Australia “had to look elsewhere” when the batter was a withdrawal on morning one.
“We’re in a really good place,” Cummins said.
“I think there was some unfair commentary around Steve in that last week. Perhaps I could have done a better job of trying to soften that a bit.
“I probably got a little bit misconstrued, how there definitely was a level of disappointment in such a big game that we were missing one of our great players.
“It’s very aligned going ahead. He’s very excited for the next 12 months. I’ll need him as captain alongside his vice-captain.”
Smith’s recovery means he is likely to take the field next week when NSW play Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.
The 37-year-old could speak to media at the SCG before the match, possibly adding another chapter to this ongoing sandpaper saga.
AAP