Rajasthan Royals batsman Sanju Samson said it was an “absolute pleasure” to bat with Steve Smith as the Australian showed no lingering effects from a concussion in helping his side beat Chennai in the Indian Premier League Tuesday.
Smith, who missed Australia’s three-match ODI series against England earlier this month after he was hit on the head by a ball in the nets, struck a fluent 69 to guide the Royals to a 16-run victory over the Super Kings.
He joined the Royals camp last week but his participation in their season-opener had been in doubt until he passed a concussion test.
The 31-year old, who opened the batting, smashed four sixes and four boundaries in a 47-ball 69.
His second-wicket partnership of 121 with Samson paved the way for the Royals to post a hefty 216/7.
The Super Kings managed 200/6 in response.
Smith’s side face Kings XI Punjab in their next game Sunday.
