Banned batsmen close to return
Steve Smith and David Warner’s formal reintegration into the national team will start earlier than expected, with the banned duo to soon front World Cup teammates in the UAE.
Smith and Warner are set to catch up with Australia’s ODI squad in Dubai prior to joining their respective Indian Premier League franchises for the Twenty20 tournament that begins on March 23.
The face-to-face meetings – expected to come ahead of the five-match series against Pakistan, which starts on March 22 – are the surest sign yet the gifted batsmen will be part of Australia’s World Cup defence.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns recently suggested Smith and Warner, now in the final three weeks of year-long suspensions, would likely have played ODIs against Pakistan on March 29 and 31 if not for their elbow injuries.
Coach Justin Langer and selectors will not rush the former captain and vice-captain back into the XI, having left them out of the 15-man squad that will travel from Delhi to Dubai tomorrow.
But the visit will give Smith and Warner a chance to reconnect with support staff and teammates, and start repairing any strained relationships within the touring party.
It will be their first exposure to a team culture and highperformance environment that has undergone major changes under Langer since the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.
Batsman Usman Khawaja is looking forward to the reunion.
“They are world-class players and they’ve been amazing for the one-day team ... when they do come back they’ll be welcomed with open arms,” Khawaja said.