Steve Smith admits he uses media criticism as motivation to improve.

While athletes tend to claim they ignore media commentary around their sport, the Australian captain told Neil Mitchell he reads a lot of press.

“If people are having a go at me, I usually use it as motivation,” Smith said on Tuesday.

In his new book, Smith reveals he was approached to go through the ranks of English cricket, but he’s happy he chose to play in and for Australia.

“I was offered a three-year deal back in 2007 to play country cricket,” Smith said.

“Mum’s English and I’ve got an English passport, but I’ve always wanted to play cricket for Australia.”

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