Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft managed only two in his competitive comeback from his nine-month ban for ball tampering.
Bancroft came to the crease with Perth Scorchers struggling on 16-3 in the fourth over of their Big Bash League match against the Hobart Hurricanes and lasted just three deliveries before edging Riley Meredith behind.
The 26-year-old was suspended for attempting to alter the condition of the ball with sandpaper against South Africa in March.
The ban elapsed on Saturday and Bancroft was given an immediate recall by the Scorchers, who lost by six wickets after being limited to 107-8 from their 20 overs.
Meredith was the outstanding bowler after returning figures of 4-15. The Hurricanes reached their target with 15 balls to spare to win by six wickets to make it four wins from four, Alex Doolan top-scoring with an unbeaten 41.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was commentating during the game, said he spoke to Bancroft beforehand and he was “really, really nervous”.
“He was a little bit worried about the pace these boys might be bowling at him as he’s only played club cricket for the past few months,” he said. “He said to me that even going out on this wicket he’s sure everything was going feel like it’s a Test match at the WACA,” said Ponting.
