Jeers ‘water off a duck’s back’ for ton-up Smith

STEVE Smith said being booed and called a “cheat” was “water off a duck’s back” as he continued his impressive build-up to the World Cup with a matchwinning century against England in a practice match on Saturday.

Smith made 116 in his first appearance against England since a year-long ban for balltampering as Australia beat the World Cup hosts and favourites by 12 runs.

There were jeers – and some cheers – for both Smith and opening batsman DavidWarner, who also served a 12-month suspension for his role in the scandal during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town, from Saturday’s crowd of 11,500 at Hampshire’s headquarters.

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and how they want to treat people,” Smith told reporters after a 102-ball innings featuring eight fours and three sixes. “It’s water off a duck’s back and it doesn’t bother me. I try to black it out.”

Former Australia captain Smith said both he and Warner, his vice-captain in Cape Town, had been welcomed back warmly by their colleagues.

“It’s like we never left in a way. I know I’ve got the support of my team-mates up on the balcony and for me that’s the most important thing.”

Smith is set to be the focus of much attention during a lengthy tour of England that includes both the World Cup and a subsequent five-Test Ashes series.

But there are no signs as yet that the hype surrounding Smith’s return is inhibiting his form.

Saturday saw Smith score a fourth successive fifty for Australia since his suspension, following innings of 89 not out and 91 not out in practice matches against New Zealand in Brisbane before he made 76 during Wednesday’s World Cup warm-up with the West Indies on the nursery ground at Southampton.

“Hopefully I can keep this form for the real stuff. But I am feeling good, composed and calm at the crease. Any time you make a hundred for Australia it’s a real honour,” said Smith.

In his first press conference since returning to the national set-up, Smith was asked if his enforced absence after a ban imposed by Cricket Australia had done him any good.

“I hope so,” he said. “Not too many players have a year out when they are, I guess, at the top of their game.”

Smith, who broke down in tears at Sydney airport on the last occasion he spoke to reporters on Australia duty after being sent back from South Africa, added: “I guess having performed at a reasonably high level for four or five years, to have that year away it’s given me a chance to freshen up a bit and come back hungrier than ever.

Meanwhile England stand-in captain Jos Buttler, who had one of the best views of Smith’s century while keeping wicket, said: “He’s the same player. He was a class player 12 months ago and he still is.

“He hasn’t forgotten. He’s one of the world’s best batsmen,” added Buttler, leading England in place of injured regular skipper Eoin Morgan.

As for suggestions England would use the ball-tampering scandal as a basis for ‘sledging’ or verbally abusing their Australian opponents, the mild-mannered Buttler insisted: “I don’t think any of our guys get that stuck in.

“The guys just get on with playing cricket.”