One-Year Ban On Steven Smith, David Warner Ends Today, Both Available For National Selection From Tomorror
Image: BCCI

The one-year ban on former Australian skipper, Steven Smith and his deputy, David Warner will end today and both the players will be available for selection in the national side from tomorrow.

Cricket Australia had banned the duo last year in March for a period of one year for their involvement in the ball-tampering saga.

Along with them, Cameron Bancroft was also sanctioned but he was handed a suspension of nine months.

Apart from international cricket, Smith and Warner were also not allowed to play for their domestic team, New South Wales.

In its conclusion, CA announced that it was Warner who had come up with the idea to tamper the ball.

It also added that Smith knew about the idea of the player to do it.

It was Bancroft who rubbed the sandpaper on the ball and was caught on camera while doing it.

Cricket Australia had also banned the duo from playing domestic cricket and Big Bash League.

IPL 2019, Steve Smith, David Warner
Credits – BCCI

They were allowed to play in Indian Premier League but BCCI followed CA and did not allow the duo to take part in IPL 2018.

Somerset also cancelled the deal with Bancroft.

There were reports that they might be selected in the squad for the last two ODIs of the series against Pakistan but that wasn’t the case.

Cricket Australia asked the duo to play IPL, where they are preparing for their international comebacks.

During the ban period, Smith and Warner played in different T20 leagues around the world.

They first travelled to Canada to take part in Global T20 Canada.

Later, they played in Caribbean Premier League and then landed in Bangladesh to play in Bangladesh Premier League.

Smith was also to take part in Pakistan Super League.

Rajasthan Royals, Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Steven Smith, Jaydev Unadkat, Sanju Samson
Photo Credit: IPL/BCCI.

However, both the players suffered shoulder injuries during BPL and only made their comebacks for IPL.

Their immediate focus will be to make it to the World Cup squad.

Although the duo is almost confirmed to be part of the team in the title defence.

They will have to get back to form in IPL.

Warner was among runs in the first game of the season for Sunrisers Hyderabad as he struck 85 off 53.

Smith scored 20 for Rajasthan Royals in their first game of the season against Kings XI Punjab.