Steve Smith’s redemption is one for the ages

A year ago he and he was one of the most reviled men in the country. But a break from the spotlight has allowed Steve Smith to do something that David Warner still hasn’t managed to — win back the public, writes Megan Hustwaite.

Australians are a forgiving bunch.

And the only thing we love more than an all-in pile on is a great comeback story.

Enter Steve Smith. After serving a 12-month suspension stemming from his role, or lack thereof, in the sandpaper gate scandal in South Africa last year, the superstar batsman has returned to cricket in the best possible fashion with twin tons in the First Ashes Test in Edgbaston.

So, is sporting forgiveness as simple as runs, goals, hole in ones or the sweet taste of victory? Not quite.

Smith did the crime, served the time and on return he’s let his bat do the talking. His comeback has been as perfectly executed as his catalogue of shots.

RELATED: The ingredients that helped make Steve Smith a batting genius

As captain, Smith turned a blind eye to what his vice-captain David Warner and inexperienced opening batsman Cameron Bancroft were up to during the Third Test against South Africa in Cape Town last year. Some argue Smith’s part in the saga was the most abhorrent because he was skipper, and as the ultimate leader of the team didn’t stop it. In fact, he didn’t want to know about it.

Some argue Smith’s part in the sandpaper saga was the most abhorrent. Picture: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP

After the ball tampering came to light, Smith returned to Australia and landed at Sydney Airport to face a packed press conference where he spoke through tears, visibly distraught. It was heartbreaking stuff.

Months later he was photographed and painted like some sort of loner loser for having a beer by himself in a New York bar.

Fast forward to last week as the Ashes begun, and in a hole at 8-112 on the opening day of play, Australia was holding out for a hero. Smith answered the call with a fighting 144. He found willing partners in Peter Siddle and then Nathan Lyon to guide the visitors to 284.

MORE OPINION: Sorry, Steve. We don’t forgive that easily

The right-hander’s second-innings triumph, and 25th Test hundred, put his team in a position to win the opening match of the series, which they recorded on Monday night — a series Australia has not won in England since 2001.

Smith’s knocks were also a reminder of his sheer class and standing. He’s the first batsman to make twin centuries in a Test this year, the first Aussie to do so since Warner in 2015 and the only Australian to produce the feat in an Ashes Test since Matthew Hayden in 2002.

David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft have made their comeback. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty

The same cannot be said for David Warner.

He is and has always been polarising among cricket fans. He pushes the envelope and rubs people up the wrong way.

Frankly, he was never going to win back our support, no matter what approach he took and how he chose to handle himself and his suspension.

When PR dynamo Roxy Jacenko emerged on the scene and consoled his wife Candice at his press conference in March 2018, where he read a prepared statement and conceded he may not play cricket for his country again, many were expecting a 60 Minutes tell-all or some sort of mega deal but to Warner’s credit, his tale didn’t go to the biggest bidder.

MORE OPINION: These so-called leaders need to be banned for life

Three months later, he was hired by Channel 9 to provide in-studio commentary during the coverage of Australia’s One Day series in England, an appointment widely criticised.

However, 17 months on from that dark day at Cape Town and with Warner now opening the batting for Australia once again, I, for one, still want to know what happened and I reckon we deserve to hear him answer some questions. Mainly, why?

Bancroft served the smallest sanction and once it expired in December sat down for an exclusive interview with Fox Sports’ Adam Gilchrist during the Boxing Day Test. The tell-all barely told much, only that the West Australian was poorly advised. Again.

Australians are ready to forgive Smith. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty

He’s taken a namaste approach to his ban, put his head down and bum up, literally and turned to yoga, meditation and mindfulness as he’s continued his journey back to cricket.

His selection in the First Ashes Test, at the expense of Marcus Harris, was questionable, and his failings at the top of the order revealed technique deficiencies. He will be under the pump heading to Lords.

RELATED: Warner’s aggression could have been a force for good

Uneasy is the word I’d pick to describe my feelings about sandpaper gate, from start to finish. The sin, the involvement of the trio, watching Smith and Warner return in Australia’s first World Cup match then seeing them in the baggy green again for the first time. But, since Thursday night, I’ve parked that emotion.

Smith, Warner and Bancroft have all copped heckling from the patriotic England crowds, but it’s time to bin the boos and truly appreciate one of cricket’s greatest ever batsmen while he’s in full flight.

Steve Smith’s comeback might just be the best yet.

@MeganHustwaite