Was in my own bubble at times, I apologise for letting emotions slip: Steve Smith

New Delhi: Australian cricket team captain Steve Smith finally owned up to the series of 'brain fades' that he had during the 4-match Test series against India, making the most of the opportunity to apolosgise and end the enthralling tour on a positive note in Dharamsala.

Smith admitted that he let his "emotions slip" during the aggressively-contested but lost series, saying that he was in his "own bubble" at times.

"At times I have been in my own bubble and have let my emotions slip. I apologise for that," Smith said at the end of the four-match series, which India won 2-1 to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

India went on to thrash Australia by eight wickets at a venue where the visitors were considered favourites to go and clinch the series but the hosts proved too powerful to let this one slip, finishing the match and first session of Day 4 at the HPCA Stadium.

It was probably the most competitive series that India played at home in recent years with not an inch given by the visitors.

The series had its share of controversies and hostilities that started with the infamous 'Brain Fade' of Smith, when he was caught on camera seeking clues from the dressing room while taking a DRS call.

The incident snowballed into a massive furore after Indian captain Virat Kohli stopped just short of calling Smith a cheat.

The hostilities didn't end after that and players from the two sides had regular on-field run-ins.

However, putting it all aside, Smith was gracious in defeat and lauded India for their dominance despite Australia's resolute show.

"(It was a) magnificent series. One of the best I have been a part of. Credit to India, they are a fantastic cricket side, particularly in their backyard. If you give them a sniff, they will take that," the Australian skipper said.

READ: Did Steve Smith use F-word for Murali Vijay on Day 3 at Dharamsala calling him a 'cheat'?

Before the start of the series, many predicted that the Smith-led young Australian side will be whitewashed by the Indians.

But the visitors showed tremendous fighting spirit and managed to surprise with their resolute performances, quite creditable given that they didn't have a lot of experience of playing in the sub-continent.

"For Australia, this is the toughest conditions for us. To challenge them so much, I am proud. A lot of people wrote us off. They said it was going to be a 4-0 whitewash. I am proud of the way we have competed. We have probably let a few moments slip," Smith said.

"Against India you can't do that. The middle session yesterday, when you lose five for 70, you put yourself behind. Credit to India. Umesh (Yadav) was fantastic. They have all been fantastic."

Smith also praised the HPCA Stadium.

"What an amazing ground. The wicket was a good one. Pace and bounce, that's what we like. It suited spinners as well. If you are willing to bat time, you can get runs," he said.

(With PTI inputs)