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"The people that I had supporting me through that whole time made a huge difference to the head space I am in now," he said.
An emotional Smith had broken down in tears and was comforted by his father, Peter, at his press conference at Sydney Airport upon returning home from South Africa, admitting that he had "made a serious error of judgement and I now understand the consequences".
Those consequences have seen him replaced as captain by Tim Paine, lose $2 million in personal sponsorships and playing contracts, and unable to play international or first-class cricket until March 29 next year.
However, the suspended trio can play in overseas Twenty20 tournaments, with Smith and Warner to resume in the inaugural Global T20 tournament in Canada, beginning June 28 in Toronto. Smith was drafted by the Toronto Nationals while Warner will play for Winnipeg.
Former Test vice-captain Warner, who is also serving a year-long ban, resumed training with NSW on Monday, and took to social media to detail his excitement over joining in a two-kilometre time trial ahead of the Twenty20 competition.
"Really excited to be a part of @gt20canada. Thanks to the Winnipeg Hawks for selecting me to play in what will be a really competitive tournament. Prep steps up this week in the nets," he said.
The banned men can use Cricket Australia and state facilities during their suspensions and train with their state squads. Smith and Warner will play NSW grade cricket later this year, while Warner has also signed up for the Strike League in Darwin, where he will play two one-day international matches on July 21 and 22.
Fairfax Media understands the national selectors will keep a close eye on their form through all tournaments, for Warner and Smith are unlikely to have any elite cricket before the squad is chosen for next year's World Cup in England – the first international event they will be available for.
Batting kingpins Smith and Warner are still seen as key cogs in the Australian team, with the national side facing an uncertain summer without their presence for a Test series against Pakistan, slated for the United Arab Emirates but which could yet be changed, and home series against India and Sri Lanka.
The new-look Australian side, also ravaged by injuries to fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, is in England preparing for a one-day series and one-off Twenty20 clash against the host nation. This comes as two reviews, one into the culture of management at CA, and the other into the team, are underway.
Coach Justin Langer, having replaced Darren Lehmann, who stood down, has spoken about the need for the team to play in the right spirit but also maintain an attacking attitude which underpins all good teams.
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
Andrew Wu writes on cricket and AFL for The Sydney Morning Herald
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