Justin Langer Lays Down Plans for David Warner, Steven Smith Upon their Return

A day after Australia Test captain, Tim Paine said Steven Smith and David Warner would play a key role in the winter Ashes; the head coach of the side, Justin Langer laid down immediate plans for the duo upon their return. Langer said both Warner and Smith would remain available for selection for the 2019 World Cup, but before that, they need to pass the fitness test. As Smith remains in a brace until February end, David suffered an elbow injury during the Bangladesh Premier League 2019.

We have to wait and see – Langer on their return

The bans imposed on the trio – Smith and Warner for their involvement in the sandpaper gate last year will end on March 29th. Meanwhile, Bancroft returned to the BBL for Perth Scorchers, as his nine-month ban finished in December.

Langer, however, remains uncertain over what future holds for both these star players. But, as of now, Langer noted Warner and Smith have to be medically cleared to play for Australia. Not only this but the head coach added to have some match practice leading up to the World Cup is also essential.

“We’ve got to keep working on how they are with their elbows first,” Langer was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “They’re going to need to get some cricket leading into hopefully coming back into the squad. It’s all part of the management. We’ll have to wait and see what happens there.”

They need some match practice – Langer

As Steven Smith and David Warner are about to set free to play international cricket, they lack match time to get back in rhythm.

Though there is no certainty over Pakistan facing Australia in a short ODI series ahead of the World Cup; Smith and Warner could warm up during their IPL stint in the twelfth edition, which begins on March 23rd.

“(It’s about) how much cricket they get to play between now and then, but I’m sure we’ll find opportunities,” he said. “They’ll find opportunities … but I can’t see anything else (stopping them). We’re talking about two great players. We’re not talking about two really good players, they’re two great players who, on paper, we’d be crazy not to have them in the team (for the World Cup).”

As Australia has had a torrid time in international cricket in the past year, Justin Langer said the time to about to get finished. Of late, the Aussies defeated Sri Lanka in two Tests at home; their first Test series win since Ashes in the last summer.

“We know it’s been a tough time for them, it’s been a tough time for Australian cricket. And the … integration has been going for the last nine or ten months, or eleven, it’s getting closer, isn’t it. And that’ll be a continued process.”

Meanwhile, Steven Smith will play for Rajasthan Royals while Warner will represent the Orange Army, Sunrisers Hyderabad.