Dubai date clears air for returns
STEVE Smith and David Warner’s visit of the Australian team in Dubai last month gave coach Justin Langer all the confidence he needed that the pair would fit seamlessly into the World Cup side.
Smith and Warner officially return to an Australian camp on May 2 in Brisbane when World Cup preparations start, more than 13 months after the ball-tampering scandal.
The pair’s reintegration has been months in the making, with Langer having constant meetings with the pair over the summer and maintaining dialogue since his appointment as coach last May.
After months of speculation, Langer said the pair’s visit to the squad in Dubai last month showed they were ready to return and be welcomed back by their teammates despite reports of fallouts.
“We had some big talks about the values and the direction we’re going in,” he told SEN Breakfast on Tuesday.
“It was great to have them there, we had a social night with them and we got a bit more formal with them the next day.
“They were part of the discussion about values. They didn’t necessarily get up and speak, there has been plenty of that going on over the past 12 months.
“It has been a huge 12-month period of learning for them and us in Australian cricket. It worked well, it was nice to have them over there before we start kicking off the cricket with them.”
Their returns have sparked questions about the make up of the XI for the opening match against Afghanistan in Bristol on June 1.
Smith is expected to slot in at No.4 in a direct swap for Peter Handscomb, who has been dropped to the Australia A squad.
Langer has said he will “mix and match” the three opening options of Warner, Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja in three warm-up games against New Zealand in Brisbane. The Aussies then also have games against host England and Sri Lanka in late May before they must settle on their final side.
Langer was also confident on the fitness of Jhye Richardson, who dislocated his shoulder last month but is on track to play in the World Cup after being selected.