Smith, Warner rejoin Australia
After reconnecting with the national cricket squad for the first time since they were suspended, Steve Smith and Dave Warner both said it felt like they never left their team-mates.
Former captain Smith and former vice-captain Warner joined the Aussies in the UAE ahead of their five-match ODI series against Pakistan, and the star duo, whose suspensions end in a fortnight, made a seamless transition back into the team environment.
Neither player will feature in the series and instead are heading to the subcontinent for the Indian Premier League which begins next Saturday.
‘‘It’s been great, it seems like there’s a really good energy around the group at the moment coming off the back of what was a terrific win in India,’’ Smith said.
‘‘The spirits are really high, the boys have had a few down days and slowly getting ready for the upcoming series against Pakistan, but it’s been great to be back around the group, they’ve been really welcoming again and it’s almost like we never left so everything’s on the right track.’’
Warner echoed Smith’s sentiments, saying: ‘‘It’s been awesome, it’s like we didn’t really leave.
‘‘The boys were very accepting of us coming in with open arms and a lot of big hugs and cuddles.’’
Australia coach Justin Langer said it was like two brothers returning home.
‘‘Brothers leave home for different reasons in families so it’s nice to have them back in there, they’ve been received really well. We had some great meetings so it’s been really positive,’’ Langer said.
Both Smith and Warner revealed that the big focus of their discussions with the team while in Dubai were around the values that have been instilled in the team in their absence following the sandpaper scandal in South Africa.
‘‘Looking forward to what’s coming up – a huge World Cup and an Ashes series in England – it’s pretty exciting times ahead for the team,’’ Smith said.
‘‘Just making sure everyone’s on the right path and heading in the same direction so it’s been very beneficial and really good.’’
Warner added: ‘‘Making sure we’re aligned with the team values moving forward, obviously we’ve been out for 12 months, there’s obviously been a big change which is great and it’s just about accepting that and playing what our role should be in the team moving forward.’’
Smith’s elbow, which required surgery two months ago, is in good condition and the 29-yearold was looking forward to heading to India for the IPL.
‘‘I’m really excited about playing again. The IPL is a terrific tournament and the elbow is tracking really well. I’ve been batting for the last two weeks and able to play all shots and got my power back,’’ he said.