Steve Smith And David Warner Will Remain The Same - Justin Langer

And yeah, the ban on the world-class batsman David Warner and Steve Smith has got very little time to be completed. In between, it would be interesting to see whether they would get the direct entry into the playing XI or not. Meanwhile, the head coach Justin Langer is hopeful of the duo performing the same, which they used to do before their ban.

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. The comeback of the duo will be a great boost for the team in many ways.

I have been in touch with them – Justin Langer

Speaking ahead of the first ODI in Bengaluru on Thursday, Justin Langer revealed that he is in continuously touch with the discarded cricketers, who are all set to return this month. He added that they will head back into the game and showed his optimistic side while speaking on the performance of the duo.

Further, he went on to say quoting that both cricketers are brilliant in their rehabilitation process for their Elbow injuries. He believes that the rehab process won’t delay their return, as they are coping pretty well with it.

“I’ve been in touch with them for the last nine months and as it gets closer to them coming back in the squad, I’m not sure it increases how much we speak to each other, it’s been consistent. That will remain the same. I think Dave’s probably a little more advanced (in his rehabilitation) but my understanding is they’ll be ready to go in the not-too-distant future,” Justin Langer revealed.

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. On March 29th, the duo will set free to play.