Watch: Banned Steve Smith And David Warner Help Out Australian Bowlers In Nets Ahead Of India Tests

David Warner and Steve Smith faced Australia’s pacers in the nets ahead of the much-awaited showdown against India in the four-Test series.

Australia is leaving no stone unturned to prepare themselves ahead of the tough clash against world number one Test side India.  The hosts have already suffered a huge blow ahead of the showdown by losing David Warner and Steve Smith due to bans. Both the players are currently serving the 12-month ban imposed on them for the ball-tampering scandal that took place in Cape Town this year.

Recently, Australian Cricketers’ Association had requested Cricket Australia to reconsider the lengthy ban. But despite Australia’s constant struggles on the field, the cricket board decided against lifting the bans. But it has not stopped the team-management to seek help from the star duo. Both Smith and Warner attended the nets session of the team, giving the bowlers a quality practise session.

Warner visited the nets on Sunday while Warner followed the suit on Monday.

Sunday it was Warner, today it's Steve Smith facing Test quicks Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins pic.twitter.com/9Fts4MciT7

— Sam Ferris (@samuelfez) November 26, 2018

Warner faced the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins with coach Justin Langer intently watching on in the umpire’s position.

David Warner facing Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in the SCG nets. Aus coach Justin Langer standing as umpire pic.twitter.com/UBOwaaEbb0

— Sam Ferris (@samuelfez) November 25, 2018

According to The Australian newspaper, Australia had also invited Warner to the dressing room ahead of the third T20I against India.

Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc said Smith had also been asked to help the bowlers get ready this week.

“There’s talking to bowling coaches then there’s talking to the guys you’re bowling to. That’s a great opportunity to have him face us in our preparation leading up to the Tests,” Starc told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“It’ll be great to bowl to him (Smith) in the nets. He’s one of the best in the world, to even get his thoughts on how we’re tracking will always be good for us,” he added.

Meanwhile, the three-match T20I series ended 1-1. Both the teams are now gearing up for the Test series.

Adelaide opens the Test summer against India on December 6 in a blockbuster Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The Perth Stadium will host its first Test match when India visit for the second Border-Gavaskar match, before the series moves back to Melbourne and Sydney for the traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s games respectively.

Following the Tests, there will be three ODIs. Sydney Cricket Ground will host the first ODI on January 12. The long tour will conclude with the third ODI at MCG on January 18.