Steve Smith on stunning comeback: ‘Never doubted my ability’

At close of play on Day 3 of the first Ashes test match on Sunday former Australia captain and cricketer Steve Smith told reporters on Monday he never doubted his ability despite the turmoil he endured in his career.

Smith made 142 in Australia's second innings 487-7 declared on Sunday after the star batsman's 144 bailed them out to 284 following a collapse to 122-8 in their first innings.

With Matthew Wade making 110 on the fourth day as well, Australia set England an imposing target of 398. Former Australia captain Smith and then deputy David Warner were both given 12-month bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal last year, with Cameron Bancroft -- who actually applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town -- hit with a nine-month suspension by Cricket Australia.