May 6, 2019 by admin

Warner smoother than Smith on return to Australia camp

Brisbane: For the first time in more than a year, Steven Smith and David Warner today became part of an Australian squad training. Both back from the IPL, Warner was more fluent than Smith as they trained with the Australian team. The two are set to don the Australian colours this week for the first time since their ball-tampering bans last year. The two were welcomed back into the national fold last week for a pre-World Cup camp in Brisbane after serving year-long suspensions for their part in the “Sandpapergate” scandal in Cape Town that rocked the sport. Both have been hampered by viruses since returning from the IPL but took part in nets today ahead of the first of three practice games against New Zealand beginning on Monday. Allrounder Glenn Maxwell said he was confident they will be fit to play. “I assume so. They have been sick the last couple of days so, hopefully, they are up and running,” he told reporters. “But I am pretty sure most of the guys will be ready to go.” The duo have enjoyed a solid comeback in the IPL, with Warner in blistering form, topping the competition batting rankings with 692 runs from 12 innings. Coach Justin Langer on Friday insisted there was “no tension” between the pair and the rest of the squad, adding: “They’re back in the team now. They’ve been selected, which is brilliant.”