Steven Smith makes successful return to cricket in Global T20
Tainted Australian cricketer Steven Smith made a successful return to the 22-yard strip, on Thursday, as he scored a brilliant half-century in the Global T20 Canada. This was Smith's first game since he was suspended from international cricket due to his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa. Smith scored 61 off 41 balls for the Toronto Nationals.
Smith helps Toronto to victory in Global T20
Smith's heroics with the bat led the Toronto Nationals to a six-wicket victory over the Vancouver Knights. His 41-ball 61 included eight fours and a six. Vancouver, batting first, posted a mammoth target of 228. However, the trio of Steven Smith, Darren Sammy (22) and New Zealand's Anton Devcich (92) helped Toronto chase the target with four balls to spare.
Smith's suspension doesn't stop him from playing club cricket
Smith was sacked from the captaincy, as well as banned from international cricket for 12 months, for being a part of the leadership group which orchestrated the ball-tampering scandal. However, Smith's suspension does not prevent him from playing cricket at the club level. Even David Warner is competing in the Global T20 Canada competition.
Cricket fraternity backs tainted duo
The cricket fraternity is rallying behind Smith and Warner. Everyone is hoping that they will get a second chance. Vancouver captain Chris Gayle and Toronto skipper Darren Sammy are some of the players who have thrown their support behind Smith and Warner. The Global T20 Canada will run till July 15 and it is a six-team event.
