Former Australia skipper Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner finally re-integrated with the Australian team in Dubai. Both the players are still serving the 12-month ban that will come to an end on March 28. There were speculations that Australia would include both the stars in the squad for the upcoming five-match series against Pakistan in Dubai. Both the players were eligible for the last two ODIs, set to be played on March 29 and 31.
However, the Australian team-management decided otherwise and decided that the best option for the players to return to high-level cricket is through the Indian Premier League. Both the players recently underwent elbow surgery after suffering injuries in the Bangladesh Premier League. They will be also making a comeback in the IPL after missing the last edition in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.
Warner is set to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad while Smith will ply his trade for Rajasthan Royals.
But before departing to India, the duo flew to Dubai to spend some time with their teammates and the members of the backroom staff. And after spending little over 24 hours with the team, Warner and Smith have said it felt like they had never been away from the Australia set-up. Australia’s dressing room culture has undergone massive changes since Justin Langer took charge last year. With Smith and Warner set to play the World Cup, the re-integration process is seen as the one which would give the team the opportunity to get accustomed to the new environment.
“It’s been awesome, like we didn’t really leave,” David Warner said. “The boys have been really accepting of us coming in with open arms and a lot of big hugs and cuddles. It’s good to see the spirit they are in after a great series win in India.”
"Lots of hugs and cuddles": David Warner says he's excited for what lies ahead after meeting up with the Aussie squad in Dubai.
Full story: https://t.co/TuLVtvcrrU pic.twitter.com/NTtmWRT5lw— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 17, 2019
On the other hand, Steve Smith said:
“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 is on the right track.”
Steve Smith speaks following the catch-up between he and David Warner, and the Aussie men's squad in Dubai.
Full story: https://t.co/TuLVtvcrrU pic.twitter.com/qJIVnJPq01— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 16, 2019
Coach Langer was typically warm in his acceptance of the former leaders, calling them brothers as he welcomed them.
“It’s great to have them back in the team. It’s like two brothers coming home,” Langer said.
“They have been received really well, we had a good night together last night and had some great meetings today so it’s been really positive,” he added.