Global T20 Canada, Toronto Nationals vs Vancouver Knights: 5 Talking Points

#2 Steve Smith scores an excellent half-century on return

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Steve Smith has been facing a lot of flak after the ball-tampering fiasco that took place in March in Cape Town earlier this year. He’s been facing a lot of criticism and receiving quite a bit of hostile comments from the media, fans and from all corners.

But to his credit, Smith put all his off-field distractions and made an excellent return to competitive cricket as he scored a fluent and a good 41-ball 61. Walking out to bat on the 5th ball of the innings, Smith began in typical fashion as he got off the mark with a good-looking drive down the ground as he fetched a single.

He got his first boundary in the second over as he caressed one through the covers. Smith did look a touch scratchy, struggling for timing at times for the few deliveries. But as the innings wore on, he looked fluent and in sync. He got his half-century in 34 deliveries and ended up with a fluent 61. He shared a 91-run stand with Anton Devcich and also scored 8 fours and 1 six in his 41-ball stay at the crease.

It was a very good return to action for the former Australian captain.