Saturday, 22nd September was a special weekend for New South Wales premier cricket as the former Australian Captain and Vice Captain were making a return to cricketing action in home soil in front of a large crowd. Both Smith and Warner made the come back memorable with top scoring for their home clubs Sutherland and Randwick Petersham.
Steve Smith playing for his home club Sutherland against Mosman, batted at number three, his favorite position in ODIs. The crowd gathered at Glenn McGrath Oval, Carinbagh had to wait for more than an hour to see the star batsman come out to bat as Sutherland’s openers started with a solid opening partnership. The crowd welcomed him with a loud round of applause which seemed never ending even after he took his guard to face the first ball. The Steve Smith shuffle and fidgety movements were back on Australian soil after almost six months. Smith top scored with 85 runs off 92 balls with six 4s and a huge six before getting out. Sutherland lost the match by three wickets after setting a target of 239 in 50 overs. Smith also contributed with the ball with a five-over spell and took one wicket as well.
In another match at Coogee Oval in Sydney, David Warner scored an unbeaten 152 off 155 balls with thirteen 4s and two 6s for his club Randwick Petersham while chasing a target of 278 set by St George. Warner opening the innings for his team was in full swing and scored without trouble as he roared to his century and took his team over the finishing line.
Both Smith and Warner were seen interacting with supporters, signing autographs and posing for selfies with the crowd gathered for the match during the innings break. Both will be part of their respective team throughout the Australian summer season. Their presence will be key to draw more people towards the games in the coming weekends.
