Ban On David Warner And Steven Smith Will End During The ODI Series Facing Pakistan

Finally, the end phase has come to David Warner and Steven Smith in order to be available for Australia across the formats. The flamboyant batsmen will be free to play the game during the series against Pakistan. However, only David Warner could do his Jersey for Australia, as Steven Smith is undergoing rehab for his Elbow injury.

Smith and Warner were banned for their roles in last year’s Cape Town ball-tampering scandal. Now, they are eligible for selection again on March 29. It means that they can be called up for the fourth ODI against Pakistan.

Steven Smith is unlikely to recover in time:

However, it remains unclear if either of the pairs will be fit to play next month as both top-order batsmen recover from elbow surgeries. According to a report that appeared on the Cricket Australia (CA) website, Smith’s road back to full fitness is more complicated than Warner.

Australia faces Pakistan in the first ODI in Sharjah on March 22, with the second match scheduled for two days later at the same venue. The teams will then move to Abu Dhabi for the third match on March 27, with the final two games in Dubai on March 29 and 31.

PCB is hopeful of delivering goods:

Ahead of the series, Pakistan has made a plea to Australia asking them to travel Pakistan. However, it wasn’t the case, as the Australian board denied the request. Meanwhile, they announced the schedule for the bilateral series, which will see 5 ODI games in the span of 10 days.

“Australia are the world champions and this series will provide the Pakistan cricket team with an opportunity to assess their World Cup preparations,” PCB International Cricket Director Zakir Khan said in a press release.

Well, it would be a good chance for both the sides to assess their squads ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. Perhaps, David Warner would make his return to the side in the 4th or 5th ODI of the series. After the conclusion of the series, few of the Australians players will travel India for the lucrative domestic tournament.