Former South African skipper Graeme Smith has warned Cricket Australia (CA) ahead of David Warner potential return. Smith is of the view that Warner’s character should be in check before Australian National Selectors will sit down to pick the much-awaited team for the coveted ICC World Cup 2019.
Graeme Smith on southpaw’s return:
The Proteas veteran believes Warner is a requisite for the Australian team. But he isn’t sure whether the star batsman would witness the same amount of friendliness in the change room.
“It’s when he starts to get bigger than everybody else that probably management needs to be ready for (that). Guys like (coach Justin) Langer and whoever is captaining the side going forward need to ensure they stay on top of that and manage that space and that ego well going forward,” Smith told AFP.
The former southpaw Smith believes Warner is a tremendous cricketer, but he has been somewhat troublesome during his cricketing career.
“He bats with that driven nature, that intensity, ego to perform. And he’s an excellent cricketer. I think where David has been throughout his career is that he’s pissed a lot of people off. He’s just that type of guy,” Smith said.
Smith added, “(Warner) needs Australian cricket more than they need him”.
Smith reiterated mischevious Warner has done what he should have on the ground.
“I think he does a lot of unnecessary things on a cricket field,” Smith maintained.
The opening batsman Warner has received a 12-month sanction alongside former Skipper Steven Smith. The duo faced the charge in the wake up of the ball-tampering saga which unfolded in March 2018 at Cape Town, South Africa.
Besides, the besieged ball-tamperer Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month ban for trying to alter the condition of a ball.
“I don’t know. It’s difficult to know what it’s like behind the scenes, but he’s always been an incredible cricketer,” Smith told Fox Sports regarding Warner’s receiveing in the dressing room.
Smith conceded that Warner is eager to perform for the national team. Smith, who has captained the Proteas in 100-plus Tests, believes going by Warner’s style of play, he is the right person for the introduction in the team.
“He’s very driven, I think he wants to do well, he wants to prove his worth again and I think David Warner in that position is probably a good guy to have in your environment,” Smith added.
Warner’s hunger for runs visible during the IPL:
As the ban has ended on March 29, the duo now serves two different teams in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
So far, Warner has plundered runs at will during the ongoing edition of the IPL. He sits on the top of the run-getters list. However, Smith recently scored unbeaten 73 for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Kolkata Knight Riders (RR).
In six innings, Warner has accumulated 349 runs at an incredible average of 87.25. He scored runs at the strike-rate of 146.64. During in six matches, he played so far, for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Warner has slammed 31 fours and 11 sixes.
On the other side, the inclusion of the star batters will bolster the Kangaroos batting line-up, as they’re in rice to defend their World Cup title in the United Kingdom. The mega cricketing carnival will get underway on May 30 in London, whereas, the grand finale is scheduled on 14th of July at the iconic Lord’s stadium.
Furthermore, they will play a pivotal role on English soil during the Ashes campaign in 2019.