There were immense speculations regarding Steve Smith and David Warner will be making their international comebacks during the upcoming five-match ODI series against Pakistan. The 12-month ban imposed on the duo after the ball-tampering scandal in the Cape Town Test last March will end on March 28. As a result, they were eligible for the final two matches of the ODI series.
However, Cricket Australia (CA) surprised one and all by not electing them in the squad for the last two games. It was a big surprise considering that the series will be Australia’s last international assignment before their quest to defend the World Cup title in England later this year. Well, days after missing Smith and Warner, CA has now decided to start their formal reintegration in the team from the same series.
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According to a report in CA’s official website, Warner and Smith will be seen joining the Australian ODI squad in Dubai prior to joining their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises as the tournament is scheduled to commence on March 23. The latest development is a big sign that Warner and Smith are all but sure of playing the World Cup. Both the players played a crucial role in 2015 World Cup when the Aussies won the tournament at home. While Smith was the highest run-scorer for Australia, Warner was second in the position, helping their team win a record fifth World Cup title.
The UAE tour will give the batting stalwarts a chance to reconnect with teammates and support staff. The visit will also help the two get acclimatize to the environment in the dressing room which has undergone major changes since Justin Langer replaced Darren Lehmann as head coach and Aaron Finch has become the skipper.
In the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, the BCCI had also not allowed the two players to ply their trades in last year’s IPL. However, it had not stopped the franchises from retaining the two cricketers. Both the players were important parts of their respective franchises and were the captains before being banned.
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Smith will return to Rajasthan Royals camp while Warner, who led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to the title in 2016, will once again don the Orange jersey.
