Steve Smith on Wednesday (February 19) said he has received a warm welcome in South Africa on his first tour to the rainbow nation since the infamous ball-tampering scandal, but the Australian batsman anticipates hostile crowd reaction when he steps onto the field for the first T20I at The Wanderers on Friday (February 21).

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Smith and teammate David Warner were banned by Cricket Australia for a year for their roles in the ball-tampering plot during the 2018 Cape Town Test. After serving the suspension, the duo made a successful comeback to the highest level last year, overcoming the unsympathetic English crowd with a lot of dignity and runs with the bat during the World Cup and the Ashes.

“It’s nice to be back playing in South Africa,” Smith told reporters. “The last time I was here things didn’t end overly well, but I’ve also got really fond memories of playing here.

“Just walking into the hotel in Sandton, initially I was like, ‘the last time I left here it wasn’t pretty’. It wasn’t the best time in my life. But I’ve moved on from that and learned a lot.

“I’ve been back playing for a year now. I’m really enjoying it and I feel like I’m playing well. I’m in a nice place.”

Talking about the reception, Smith said there have been no signs of animosity from the Proteas fans off the pitch.

“Everywhere I have been the people have been lovely. Guys have come up and taken some photos and been really nice,” he said.

“It’s been normal, the same as compared to when I’ve been here previously. It’s a terrific place to tour and I’m glad to be back.”

However, he expects that to change once the games begin, especially at The Wanderers.

“I think they’re hostile here at the best of times,” he said.

“It doesn’t bother me too much. (Coach) Justin (Langer) said the other day that we had the dress rehearsal in England (last year). There was a fair bit going on there.

“I don’t notice it, particularly when I’m batting. Maybe a little bit when I’m fielding, but then again, it’s just words, it doesn’t affect me. It’s about getting on with the job.”

After the three-match T20I series, Australia will play three ODIs against South Africa from February 29 to March 7.

(Inputs from Reuters)