‘It has been the most difficult time in my life’: Steve Smith on life after the ball-tempering scandal

Australian cricket’s tarnished golden boy Steve Smith hit 61 off 41 balls against Vancouver on his return from cricket exile, at the Global T20 Canada league on Friday.

Smith, who is playing for Toronto Nationals in the inaugural Canada league showed little signs of rust on his way to a fine half-century that included eight fours and a six, before leaving the field to a standing ovation.

It was not a match at the SCG or the Adelaide Oval back home, nor in front of a vociferous crowd he was used to, but in a small rural town in King City, north of Toronto, where the disgraced former captain began his re-transition into cricket.

“I didn’t feel as good as I would’ve liked but it’s nice to score runs when you’re not feeling good,” said Smith after the match.

The match was played mostly before a sparse crowd at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club in a small village in Orlando.

It was former Australia captain’s first match ever since he, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for a ball-tempering scandal in March. Smith’s 12-month suspension however is only limited to cricket for and in Australia and the 29-year-old is eligible to play domestic tournaments abroad.

Smith though said that the scandal never came into his mind during the game. “Honestly when I am out in the middle everything else is a blur. Just concentrate on what I am doing and it’s almost like my haven I guess,” quipped the number one Test ranked batsman, happy to be back.

“I’m not going to lie, its been a difficult time in my life, there’s no doubt about that. But I’ve accepted my punishment, I’ve accepted what I’ve gone through and I’m moving forward and part of my rehab is playing cricket as well and that’s what I love doing,” he added.

But the response from the fans was something he hardly could have apprehended. The fans kept on cheering his name as he stroked his way to a well made 41-ball 61 and then gave him a standing ovation as he departed for the pavilion after being stumped by Vancouver wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton.

“It’s nice to hear people supporting you,” said Smith later. “It’s great to have the support so I am thankful that everyone has been supportive since I’ve been here.”

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Toronto eventually won the match by six wickets reaching the set target of 231 in just 19.2 overs after former New Zeland international Anton Devcich anchored the innings with a well made 92.