Former Australia captain Steve Smith described how being mentally drained after the Ashes led to him "making horrible decisions" as he returned to competitive action for the first time since the ball-tampering controversy. Smith was given a 12-month international and domestic ban by Cricket Australia for his role in the attempt to alter the condition of the ball during the third of four Tests against South Africa in March.

Three months on from the Cape Town scandal, Smith made his comeback in the inaugural Global T20 Canada, contributing 61 from 41 deliveries to help the Toronto Nationals claim a six-wicket victory over the Vancouver Knights. Reflecting on his time away, Smith, 29, said: "I'm not going to lie, it's 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. Part of my rehab is playing cricket as well, that's what I love doing."