Former Australian captain Steve Smith has blasted his way to a century to help Australia secure a 12-run World Cup warm-up victory over England.
Smith’s 116 runs marks his first century since returning to the Australian line-up.
It wasn’t easy though, as the 29-year-old was booed during his 102-ball innings.
But Smith said he was able to block out the “white noise”, helping him bring his practice-match batting average to 131.33 runs.
“I do feel I’ve certainly grown as a person over the last year, that’s for sure,” he said.
“I heard a few things as I went out to bat, but it didn’t really get to me.
“I know that I’ve got the support of my teammates up on the balcony and that’s the most important thing.
“If I can make them proud out in the middle, and make Australians proud as much as I can, that’s my job.
“Everyone is entitled their opinion and how they want to treat people, but it is water off a duck’s back.
“I just blank it out, they call it white noise. When I am out there I pay no attention to the crowd.”
Australia plays its final warm-up game against Sri Lanka tomorrow at Southampton.
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