Wollongong’s cricket community turned out in their hundreds to watch the suspended Australian captain and he didn’t disappoint, scoring an impressive 60 to steer his side to victory over Greater Illawarra Zone – a side featuring Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens duo Nate Jones and Blake Munilla. 

Greater Illawarra could only manage 4/134 with the bat, falling 29 runs short of Sutherland’s 7/163.

The home crowd did not go home disappointed, however, having witnessed a classy innings from the world’s second-best Test batsman. 

Smith was patient throughout the innings, happy to knock the ball around, chasing the twos available on North Dalton’s vast outfield.

His class shone throughout as he remained in control at all times. That was no clearer than the slog sweep over mid-wicket he produced to bring up a half-century. 

The shot brought a large applause form the hundreds in attendance at North Dalton Park.

The largest cheer of the night, however, came following Smith’s dismissal, with the Wollongong faithful making it clear they had forgiven Smith for his past indiscretions as he walked from the field. 

The match became a sideshow soon after, when Smith emerged from the change rooms and was swamped by eager kids desperate for a selfie and an autograph. 

Smith spent the remainder of the Sutherland innings and much of the interlude greeting his fans at a time he could have very easily snubbed them   

The 29-year-old’s former Australian teammate, and now Sutherland teammate, Shane Watson said Smith’s willingness to spend time with local kids was simply a sign of Smith’s character.

“He just loves batting, he always has and always will,” Watson said.

“He’s just got a true passion for the game of cricket and a love of batting. Any chance he gets an opportunity to go out there, he makes the most of it.

 “It is a treat for grassroots cricket to be able to have Steve Smith around, even if it's not great circumstances around him being here.

“The quality of person he is, it’s only having a great effect for the club.”