Australian pacer Mitchell Starc said that the team has moved on from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=ball+tampering">ball-tampering scandal</a> that rocked the cricket fraternity and now focused on the upcoming cricket World Cup which will kick off from May 30.&nbsp;

Former Australian captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner were found guilty of altering the condition of the ball in 2018 playing against South Africa.&nbsp;

Smith and Warner, who served a year-long ban, now have joined their teammates as they gathered for a pre-World Cup training camp.&nbsp;

"It is onwards, upwards and focused on the World Cup. It is all rosy," ICC quoted Starc, as saying.&nbsp;

The duo had missed Australia's recent away series against Pakistan in UAE but both the cricketers were welcomed into the Australia dressing room to know how things have changed under Aaron Finch's leadership and coach Justin Langer.&nbsp;

"We have all had our meetings and moved on. The meeting I was involved in with ... 95 per cent was not about Dave and Steve and the group. It was more about where the team was going," Starc said.&nbsp;

Both Smith and Warner will go into the 50-over tournament in England with their brilliant performance in the Indian Premier League 2019.&nbsp;

"He (Warner) has been on fire over there, along with Steve, so that is great for him and great for the group. He is a world-class player and we are excited to have him back," Starc said.&nbsp;

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc said that the team has moved on from a ball-tampering scandal that rocked the cricket fraternity and now focused on the upcoming cricket World Cup which will kick off from May 30.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc said that the team has moved on from a ball-tampering scandal that rocked the cricket fraternity and now focused on the upcoming cricket World Cup which will kick off from May 30. Former Australian captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner were found guilty of altering the condition of the ball in 2018 playing against South Africa. Smith and Warner, who served a year-long ban, now have joined their teammates as they gathered for a pre-World Cup training camp. "It is onwards, upwards and focused on the World Cup. It is all rosy," ICC quoted Starc, as saying. The duo had missed Australia's recent away series against Pakistan in UAE but both the cricketers were welcomed into the Australia dressing room to know how things have changed under Aaron Finch's leadership and coach Justin Langer. "We have all had our meetings and moved on. The meeting I was involved in with ... 95 per cent was not about Dave and Steve and the group. It was more about where the team was going," Starc said. Both Smith and Warner will go into the 50-over tournament in England with their brilliant performance in the Indian Premier League 2019. "He (Warner) has been on fire over there, along with Steve, so that is great for him and great for the group. He is a world-class player and we are excited to have him back," Starc said.

Team moved on from ball-tampering incident, says Mitchell Starc

Steve Smith said his elbow was fine after landing on it heavily despite still recovering from surgery, as he prepares for his final Indian Premier League (IPL) game of the season before joining Australia's World Cup squad.

Rajasthan captain Smith took a brilliant diving catch to dismiss compatriot David Warner, but in the process gave the Australian camp a scare when he appeared to injure his elbow again.

He received medical treatment and returned to bat as the Rajasthan chased down the target to beat&nbsp;Hyderabad with five balls to spare.

"I just landed on it quite heavily, more heavily than I had landed on it previously," Smith told reporters ahead of his side's game against the&nbsp;Bangalore on Tuesday.

Former Australian captain Smith underwent an operation in January to repair a ligament in his right elbow while he was serving his 12-month international ban for ball tampering that ended last month.

"From the surgery I have still got some scar tissue and stuff in there, and just the impact of the landing affected it a little bit. But there is nothing wrong with it - all good."

The 29-year-old has shown signs of returning to his best with two fifties in his last four innings for the Rajasthan in the IPL.

"The start of the tournament did not go as well as I would have liked," he said. "But I think the more I have padded up, the better I have felt as the tournament has gone on. I've been able to contribute to a couple of wins in the last two matches and felt very good."

Smith said he is not yet able to throw with full force and has had to take close fielding positions in the IPL this season, although that aspect of his game is fast improving.

Steve Smith said his elbow was fine after landing on it heavily despite still recovering from surgery, as he prepares for his final Indian Premier League (IPL) game of the season before joining Australia's World Cup squad.

Steve Smith said his elbow was fine after landing on it heavily despite still recovering from surgery, as he prepares for his final Indian Premier League (IPL) game of the season before joining Australia's World Cup squad. Rajasthan captain Smith took a brilliant diving catch to dismiss compatriot David Warner, but in the process gave the Australian camp a scare when he appeared to injure his elbow again. He received medical treatment and returned to bat as the Rajasthan chased down the target to beat Hyderabad with five balls to spare. "I just landed on it quite heavily, more heavily than I had landed on it previously," Smith told reporters ahead of his side's game against the Bangalore on Tuesday. Former Australian captain Smith underwent an operation in January to repair a ligament in his right elbow while he was serving his 12-month international ban for ball tampering that ended last month. "From the surgery I have still got some scar tissue and stuff in there, and just the impact of the landing affected it a little bit. But there is nothing wrong with it - all good." The 29-year-old has shown signs of returning to his best with two fifties in his last four innings for the Rajasthan in the IPL. "The start of the tournament did not go as well as I would have liked," he said. "But I think the more I have padded up, the better I have felt as the tournament has gone on. I've been able to contribute to a couple of wins in the last two matches and felt very good." Smith said he is not yet able to throw with full force and has had to take close fielding positions in the IPL this season, although that aspect of his game is fast improving.

Australia's Steve Smith plays down elbow scare ahead of World Cup

Rajasthan skipper Steve Smith wants to end his Indian Premier League 2019 campaign on a winning note against&nbsp;Bangalore on April 30 before leaving for home ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-rajasthan-beat-hyderabad-by-7-wickets-to-keep-playoff-hopes-alive-214016">Rajasthan Saturday defeated Hyderabad by seven wickets</a> to end their home campaign on a winning note and theoretically keep alive their playoff chances in the ongoing IPL.&nbsp;

To stay in contention for a playoff berth, Rajasthan first must win their remaining two away games against Bangalore and Delhi&nbsp;on May 4 and then hope for favourable results from other matches.&nbsp;

"For us it's just about going on winning and then we'll see what happens. I've got one more match in Bangalore, so it'll be nice to finish off on a winning note, and hopefully the boys can win in Delhi too," Smith said at the post-match presentation ceremony.&nbsp;

"But it was a good end to our home season. The boys pulled it back nicely in the middle overs. We used the change of pace well. We were able to restrict them to 160 which I thought was about par."

Smith praised Liam Livingstone (44) and Sanju Samson (48 not out) for their efforts with the bat, but lamented his side's inability to win a close game at the initial end of the tournament.&nbsp;

"Liam Livingstone opening for the first time in IPL hit the ball cleanly and Sanju finished it off well. We're playing together as a group and won those key moments.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"At the start we weren't doing it. We've had a lot of close games and fortunately last few we've been able to get over the line," he said. 
Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson said Rajasthan outplayed them despite putting up a competitive total on the board.&nbsp;

"Potentially a competitive total. But they did it a little bit better than we did. They kept wickets in hand and we weren't able to get the breakthroughs we usually get," he said.&nbsp;

"Manish Pandey is playing with some nice freedom. Couple of great performances. A little bit disappointing today, but very fine lines in this game."&nbsp;

Rajasthan skipper Steve Smith wants to end his Indian Premier League 2019 campaign on a winning note against Bangalore on April 30 before leaving for home ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Rajasthan skipper Steve Smith wants to end his Indian Premier League 2019 campaign on a winning note against Bangalore on April 30 before leaving for home ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup. Rajasthan Saturday defeated Hyderabad by seven wickets to end their home campaign on a winning note and theoretically keep alive their playoff chances in the ongoing IPL. To stay in contention for a playoff berth, Rajasthan first must win their remaining two away games against Bangalore and Delhi on May 4 and then hope for favourable results from other matches. "For us it's just about going on winning and then we'll see what happens. I've got one more match in Bangalore, so it'll be nice to finish off on a winning note, and hopefully the boys can win in Delhi too," Smith said at the post-match presentation ceremony. "But it was a good end to our home season. The boys pulled it back nicely in the middle overs. We used the change of pace well. We were able to restrict them to 160 which I thought was about par." Smith praised Liam Livingstone (44) and Sanju Samson (48 not out) for their efforts with the bat, but lamented his side's inability to win a close game at the initial end of the tournament. "Liam Livingstone opening for the first time in IPL hit the ball cleanly and Sanju finished it off well. We're playing together as a group and won those key moments. "At the start we weren't doing it. We've had a lot of close games and fortunately last few we've been able to get over the line," he said. Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson said Rajasthan outplayed them despite putting up a competitive total on the board. "Potentially a competitive total. But they did it a little bit better than we did. They kept wickets in hand and we weren't able to get the breakthroughs we usually get," he said. "Manish Pandey is playing with some nice freedom. Couple of great performances. A little bit disappointing today, but very fine lines in this game."

Steve Smith wants to draw curtains on his IPL 2019 campaign on winning note

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-steve-smith-replaces-ajinkya-rahane-as-rajasthans-captain-212026">Steve Smith</a>-led Rajasthan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-match-36-rajasthan-royals-vs-mumbai-indians-at-sawai-mansingh-stadium-212022">defeated Mumbai by five wickets</a> in an Indian Premier League match at their home turf on Saturday. It's Rajasthan's third win of the season.&nbsp;

Australian cricketer Smith, who replaced Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of Rajasthan franchise, played skipper's knock to achieve the target set by Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai.&nbsp;

Smith scored an unbeaten 59 off 48 and he was well supported by Riyan Parag (43) and Sanju Samson (35). &nbsp;

For his match-winning knock, Smith won Man of the Match award.

While reciving the award, he said, "I haven't contributed as much as I would've liked through the tournament and it feels really nice to have gotten the boys over the line."

"Hopefully we can carry it forward from here," he added.&nbsp;

Earlier, batting first, Mumbai put up a decent 161 for 5 against thanks to Quinton de Kock's splendid knock. &nbsp;&nbsp;

De Kock smashed 65 off 47 balls with six fours and two sixes, adding 97 runs off 68 balls for the second wicket with Suryakumar Yadav (34 off 33 balls) that helped MI total gain a semblance of respectability.&nbsp;

Reinstated as skipper in place of Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith introduced leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (2/21 in 4 overs) in the third over. &nbsp;

He deceived rival skipper Rohit Sharma( 5), who stepped out only to offer a return catch after failing to read a googly. &nbsp;

Gopal could have got rid of De Kock off the last ball of the over but Jofra Archer dropped a difficult chance at long on.&nbsp;

Making most out of this reprieve De Kock helped his team reach 50-run mark in 6.5 overs.&nbsp;

He reached his own half-century in 34 balls and his partnership with Suryakumar was broken when latter was caught in deep off Stuart Binny in the 14th over.&nbsp;

A few balls later Quinton de Kock too was holed out in long-on as Hardik Pandya and Pollard joined forces with scorboard reading 112 for 3 in 15 overs.&nbsp;

Pollard(10 runs 7 balls) was dropped by Archer once again. Hardik played another of his cameos scoring 23 off 15 balls.

Steve Smith-led Rajasthan defeated Mumbai by five wickets in an Indian Premier League match at their home turf on Saturday. It's Rajasthan's third win of the season.

Steve Smith-led Rajasthan defeated Mumbai by five wickets in an Indian Premier League match at their home turf on Saturday. It's Rajasthan's third win of the season. Australian cricketer Smith, who replaced Ajinkya Rahane as the captain of Rajasthan franchise, played skipper's knock to achieve the target set by Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai. Smith scored an unbeaten 59 off 48 and he was well supported by Riyan Parag (43) and Sanju Samson (35). For his match-winning knock, Smith won Man of the Match award. While reciving the award, he said, "I haven't contributed as much as I would've liked through the tournament and it feels really nice to have gotten the boys over the line." "Hopefully we can carry it forward from here," he added. Earlier, batting first, Mumbai put up a decent 161 for 5 against thanks to Quinton de Kock's splendid knock. De Kock smashed 65 off 47 balls with six fours and two sixes, adding 97 runs off 68 balls for the second wicket with Suryakumar Yadav (34 off 33 balls) that helped MI total gain a semblance of respectability. Reinstated as skipper in place of Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith introduced leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (2/21 in 4 overs) in the third over. He deceived rival skipper Rohit Sharma( 5), who stepped out only to offer a return catch after failing to read a googly. Gopal could have got rid of De Kock off the last ball of the over but Jofra Archer dropped a difficult chance at long on. Making most out of this reprieve De Kock helped his team reach 50-run mark in 6.5 overs. He reached his own half-century in 34 balls and his partnership with Suryakumar was broken when latter was caught in deep off Stuart Binny in the 14th over. A few balls later Quinton de Kock too was holed out in long-on as Hardik Pandya and Pollard joined forces with scorboard reading 112 for 3 in 15 overs. Pollard(10 runs 7 balls) was dropped by Archer once again. Hardik played another of his cameos scoring 23 off 15 balls.

IPL 2019: Steve Smith-led Rajasthan beat Mumbai by 5 wickets

Steve Smith and David Warner completed their remarkable comeback from the ball-tampering scandal that rocked cricket when they were on Monday selected in defending champion Australia's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;squad.

But there was no room for Josh Hazlewood or Peter Handscomb at the tournament in England and Wales.

It is the first call-up for the former captain and his deputy since the expiry last month of year-long bans for their part in &nbsp;"sandpapergate" in Cape Town that had wide repercussions for Australian cricket.

Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit and all the top brass from Cricket Australia left after a scathing review said their "arrogant and controlling" win-at-all-costs culture was partly to blame for players bending the rules.

Both players were eligible for the final two games of Australia's recent limited-overs tour against Pakistan, but selectors preferred that they eased themselves back at the Twenty20 Indian Premier League.

Both grabbed the opportunity and have been in good touch, particularly the bombastic Warner who has made a blistering return.

"As far as I'm concerned they have done everything that's been asked of them in the last 12 months," said one-day skipper Aaron Finch, adding that he didn't believe their return would be destabilising.

"Knowing them both personally as I do, I don't think there will be any issues whatsoever. They are both great, great guys."

Their return has left coach Justin Langer with a dilemma on the back of Australia winning eight one-day internationals on the trot, against India and Pakistan.

All the top order have been firing, and it is Handscomb who is the fall guy despite averaging 43 in 13 games this year. The decision to drop him means the team only has one wicketkeeper in Alex Carey.

Rock-solid batting

Australia's recent red-hot form has been built on the back of a rock-solid opening partnership between Finch and Usman Khawaja.

The decision for Langer now is whether to retain that combination when the 50-over&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;begins at the end of next month or move one of them down to make way for Warner, who traditionally opens the batting.

Shaun Marsh, Smith, Glenn Maxwell and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis make up the middle order.

"There's so much flexibility in our order and there will be a lot of options," said Finch. "There's been a couple of hard decisions made on the 15, but there's going to be some even tougher ones with the 11."

Selectors opted for two spinners in Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon and five quick bowlers.

As with the batsmen, Australia's selectors faced a bowling conundrum as they target a record sixth&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;triumph.&nbsp;

Pat Cummins will spearhead the attack while Mitchell Starc, the 2015&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;player of the tournament, has been recalled after being sidelined with a muscle tear since early February.

But Hazlewood, who has been out of action since January with a back injury, missed out, with chief selector Trevor Hohns saying the focus was on having him ready for the Ashes Test series in England which begins in August.&nbsp;

Jhye Richardson, who dislocated his shoulder last month, makes the grade along with Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff.

Hazlewood and Handscomb were instead named in both Australia's one-day A&nbsp;squad, which will play games in England while the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;is on, and their four-day A&nbsp;squad&nbsp;to face English county sides in the build-up to the Ashes.

Australia&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa

Australia one-day A&nbsp;squad: Travis Head (capt), Matthew Wade, Will Pucovski, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner, Mitch Marsh, D'Arcy Short, Kurtis Patterson, Ashton Agar, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Sean Abbott

Australia four-day A&nbsp;squad: Tim Paine (capt), Marcus Harris, Kurtis Patterson, Will Pucovski, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Matthew Wade, Mitch Marsh, Michael Neser, Jon Holland, James Pattinson, Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood, Chris Tremain

Steve Smith and David Warner completed their remarkable comeback from the ball-tampering scandal that rocked cricket when they were on Monday selected in defending champion Australia's World Cup squad.

Steve Smith and David Warner completed their remarkable comeback from the ball-tampering scandal that rocked cricket when they were on Monday selected in defending champion Australia's World Cup squad. But there was no room for Josh Hazlewood or Peter Handscomb at the tournament in England and Wales. It is the first call-up for the former captain and his deputy since the expiry last month of year-long bans for their part in "sandpapergate" in Cape Town that had wide repercussions for Australian cricket. Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit and all the top brass from Cricket Australia left after a scathing review said their "arrogant and controlling" win-at-all-costs culture was partly to blame for players bending the rules. Both players were eligible for the final two games of Australia's recent limited-overs tour against Pakistan, but selectors preferred that they eased themselves back at the Twenty20 Indian Premier League. Both grabbed the opportunity and have been in good touch, particularly the bombastic Warner who has made a blistering return. "As far as I'm concerned they have done everything that's been asked of them in the last 12 months," said one-day skipper Aaron Finch, adding that he didn't believe their return would be destabilising. "Knowing them both personally as I do, I don't think there will be any issues whatsoever. They are both great, great guys." Their return has left coach Justin Langer with a dilemma on the back of Australia winning eight one-day internationals on the trot, against India and Pakistan. All the top order have been firing, and it is Handscomb who is the fall guy despite averaging 43 in 13 games this year. The decision to drop him means the team only has one wicketkeeper in Alex Carey. Rock-solid batting Australia's recent red-hot form has been built on the back of a rock-solid opening partnership between Finch and Usman Khawaja. The decision for Langer now is whether to retain that combination when the 50-over World Cup begins at the end of next month or move one of them down to make way for Warner, who traditionally opens the batting. Shaun Marsh, Smith, Glenn Maxwell and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis make up the middle order. "There's so much flexibility in our order and there will be a lot of options," said Finch. "There's been a couple of hard decisions made on the 15, but there's going to be some even tougher ones with the 11." Selectors opted for two spinners in Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon and five quick bowlers. As with the batsmen, Australia's selectors faced a bowling conundrum as they target a record sixth World Cup triumph. Pat Cummins will spearhead the attack while Mitchell Starc, the 2015 World Cup player of the tournament, has been recalled after being sidelined with a muscle tear since early February. But Hazlewood, who has been out of action since January with a back injury, missed out, with chief selector Trevor Hohns saying the focus was on having him ready for the Ashes Test series in England which begins in August. Jhye Richardson, who dislocated his shoulder last month, makes the grade along with Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff. Hazlewood and Handscomb were instead named in both Australia's one-day A squad, which will play games in England while the World Cup is on, and their four-day A squad to face English county sides in the build-up to the Ashes. Australia World Cup squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa Australia one-day A squad: Travis Head (capt), Matthew Wade, Will Pucovski, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner, Mitch Marsh, D'Arcy Short, Kurtis Patterson, Ashton Agar, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Sean Abbott Australia four-day A squad: Tim Paine (capt), Marcus Harris, Kurtis Patterson, Will Pucovski, Travis Head, Peter Handscomb, Matthew Wade, Mitch Marsh, Michael Neser, Jon Holland, James Pattinson, Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood, Chris Tremain

Australia's World Cup squad: Steve Smith, David Warner recalled for title defence

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner are likely to leave their respective <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> teams by the end of this month to attend their national training camp from May 2 after being drafted into the squad for the upcoming World Cup.&nbsp;

Smith and Warner are currently playing for Rajasthan and Hyderabad respectively in the IPL after serving their 12-month ban for their role in the ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australian cricket last year.&nbsp;

The two were recalled to the national team after Australia named their 15-member squad for World Cup beginning May 30 in England and Wales.&nbsp;

"The fifteen-player squad for the ICC world cup will assemble in Brisbane for a training camp at the National Cricket Centre on May 2," Cricket Australia said.&nbsp;

"The training camp will include three practice matches between Australia XI and New Zealand XI at Allan Border Field."&nbsp;

While Warner has been in red-hot form for Hyderabad team, holding the orange cap with 400 runs, which includes a century and four fifties, Smith has found the going tough for Rajasthan, having scored just 186 runs in seven matches.&nbsp;

They are likely to miss a couple of matches for their respective franchises, besides the knockout stage in case the teams make it to the playoffs.&nbsp;

Rajasthan will play Bangalore on April 30 before meeting Delhi in their last league game on May 4, while Hyderabad will be up against Mumbai and RCB on May 2 and May 4 respectively.&nbsp;

Seamer Jason Behrendorff and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who were also named in the World Cup squad, are also expected to leave Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively by the end of the month to attend the camp.&nbsp;

While Jason is likely to miss two scheduled Mumbai matches on May 2 and May 5 against SRH and Kolkata, Stoinis might leave a little early considering RCB's dismal run in the IPL this season.&nbsp;

Stoinis played a crucial cameo of 28 runs off 16 balls to help RCB register their first win this season when they defeated Punjab by eight wickets.&nbsp;

RCB will have to win the next seven matches to salvage any chances of making it to the playoffs. The team has just one league match next month against Sunrisers on May 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among others, pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, who also plays for RCB, has already been ruled out of the IPL following an injury and South Africa's Dale Steyn has been drafted into the squad.&nbsp;

Australia opens their World Cup title defence against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.&nbsp;

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner are likely to leave their respective Indian Premier League teams by the end of this month to attend their national training camp from May 2 after being drafted into the squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner are likely to leave their respective Indian Premier League teams by the end of this month to attend their national training camp from May 2 after being drafted into the squad for the upcoming World Cup. Smith and Warner are currently playing for Rajasthan and Hyderabad respectively in the IPL after serving their 12-month ban for their role in the ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australian cricket last year. The two were recalled to the national team after Australia named their 15-member squad for World Cup beginning May 30 in England and Wales. "The fifteen-player squad for the ICC world cup will assemble in Brisbane for a training camp at the National Cricket Centre on May 2," Cricket Australia said. "The training camp will include three practice matches between Australia XI and New Zealand XI at Allan Border Field." While Warner has been in red-hot form for Hyderabad team, holding the orange cap with 400 runs, which includes a century and four fifties, Smith has found the going tough for Rajasthan, having scored just 186 runs in seven matches. They are likely to miss a couple of matches for their respective franchises, besides the knockout stage in case the teams make it to the playoffs. Rajasthan will play Bangalore on April 30 before meeting Delhi in their last league game on May 4, while Hyderabad will be up against Mumbai and RCB on May 2 and May 4 respectively. Seamer Jason Behrendorff and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who were also named in the World Cup squad, are also expected to leave Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively by the end of the month to attend the camp. While Jason is likely to miss two scheduled Mumbai matches on May 2 and May 5 against SRH and Kolkata, Stoinis might leave a little early considering RCB's dismal run in the IPL this season. Stoinis played a crucial cameo of 28 runs off 16 balls to help RCB register their first win this season when they defeated Punjab by eight wickets. RCB will have to win the next seven matches to salvage any chances of making it to the playoffs. The team has just one league match next month against Sunrisers on May 4. Among others, pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, who also plays for RCB, has already been ruled out of the IPL following an injury and South Africa's Dale Steyn has been drafted into the squad. Australia opens their World Cup title defence against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.

Steve Smith, David Warner likely to miss final stages of IPL

Australian cricket chief Kevin Roberts insisted the return of Steve Smith and David Warner will not disrupt the resurgent team as a report on Friday revealed senior players threatened a boycott in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.

One-year bans slapped on the former captain and his deputy for their part in the scandal dubbed "Sandpaper-gate" expired&nbsp;and the pair are free to play at state and international level again.

Warner was widely seen as the instigator of the plot during the third Test in Cape Town last year to use sandpaper to alter the ball, with rookie opener Cameron Bancroft carrying it out and Smith turning a blind eye.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Friday that star bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon all intended to pull out of the fourth Test in South Africa if Warner was not removed from the team.

Citing multiple sources, it said "the revelation highlights the extent of the fracture within the dressing-room in the immediate aftermath of one of the most damaging events in Australian cricket history".

Smith and Warner's reintegration process has already begun with the pair meeting the one-day team in&nbsp;Dubai&nbsp;this month. Lyon and Cummins were present, but the injured Starc and Hazlewood were not.

Asked whether relations had been patched up sufficiently for Warner's return not to be disruptive, Roberts compared the situation to any other workplace.

"What we're focused on is doing everything we can to support Dave, Steve, Cameron and all of the other support staff with this integration... to build harmony rather than to disrupt the harmony that is building," he said at the Melbourne Press Club Thursday.

"At the same time, let's be open about it -- in any workplace you don't need to be best mates with everyone, but there needs to be a foundation of respect and I think there is growing respect there."

He added that Smith, Warner, and Bancroft had all "owned their mistakes, they've paid a price and have served their time".

The "Sandpaper-gate" scandal triggered far-reaching consequences for Australian cricket.

Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit and all the top brass from Cricket Australia left after a scathing review said their "arrogant and controlling" win-at-all-costs culture was partly to blame for players bending the rules.

'Bloody hard'

Reflecting on the past year, Roberts said "our highest priority now is rebuilding trust both within and around cricket".

"We've seen tangible change at the board level, the executive level, we've got a new men's coach and a relatively new men's Test captain.

"Those are some of the tangible changes. But much more importantly the really important intangible change is that we are now very clear about what we stand for.

"Everything we do now at Cricket Australia is about uniting and inspiring communities through cricket."

He added that while Australian teams were determined to win, "we have a non-negotiable expectation that we compete with respect".

While it has been assumed that Smith and Warner will waltz back in for the World Cup, the team's form in recent weeks has given selectors a major headache.

Australia's win over Pakistan on Wednesday was their sixth-straight one-day victory, sealing back-to-back series wins abroad for the first time since 2016 after also beating India.

Skipper Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell have all been in good nick at the top of the order.

"It is bloody hard," Finch admitted of World Cup selection. "Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult.&nbsp;

"At the end of the day, they're the selectors and it's an incredibly tough decision."

Australian cricket chief Kevin Roberts insisted the return of Steve Smith and David Warner will not disrupt the resurgent team as a report on Friday revealed senior players threatened a boycott in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.

Australian cricket chief Kevin Roberts insisted the return of Steve Smith and David Warner will not disrupt the resurgent team as a report on Friday revealed senior players threatened a boycott in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. One-year bans slapped on the former captain and his deputy for their part in the scandal dubbed "Sandpaper-gate" expired and the pair are free to play at state and international level again. Warner was widely seen as the instigator of the plot during the third Test in Cape Town last year to use sandpaper to alter the ball, with rookie opener Cameron Bancroft carrying it out and Smith turning a blind eye. The Sydney Morning Herald reported Friday that star bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon all intended to pull out of the fourth Test in South Africa if Warner was not removed from the team. Citing multiple sources, it said "the revelation highlights the extent of the fracture within the dressing-room in the immediate aftermath of one of the most damaging events in Australian cricket history". Smith and Warner's reintegration process has already begun with the pair meeting the one-day team in Dubai this month. Lyon and Cummins were present, but the injured Starc and Hazlewood were not. Asked whether relations had been patched up sufficiently for Warner's return not to be disruptive, Roberts compared the situation to any other workplace. "What we're focused on is doing everything we can to support Dave, Steve, Cameron and all of the other support staff with this integration... to build harmony rather than to disrupt the harmony that is building," he said at the Melbourne Press Club Thursday. "At the same time, let's be open about it -- in any workplace you don't need to be best mates with everyone, but there needs to be a foundation of respect and I think there is growing respect there." He added that Smith, Warner, and Bancroft had all "owned their mistakes, they've paid a price and have served their time". The "Sandpaper-gate" scandal triggered far-reaching consequences for Australian cricket. Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit and all the top brass from Cricket Australia left after a scathing review said their "arrogant and controlling" win-at-all-costs culture was partly to blame for players bending the rules. 'Bloody hard' Reflecting on the past year, Roberts said "our highest priority now is rebuilding trust both within and around cricket". "We've seen tangible change at the board level, the executive level, we've got a new men's coach and a relatively new men's Test captain. "Those are some of the tangible changes. But much more importantly the really important intangible change is that we are now very clear about what we stand for. "Everything we do now at Cricket Australia is about uniting and inspiring communities through cricket." He added that while Australian teams were determined to win, "we have a non-negotiable expectation that we compete with respect". While it has been assumed that Smith and Warner will waltz back in for the World Cup, the team's form in recent weeks has given selectors a major headache. Australia's win over Pakistan on Wednesday was their sixth-straight one-day victory, sealing back-to-back series wins abroad for the first time since 2016 after also beating India. Skipper Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell have all been in good nick at the top of the order. "It is bloody hard," Finch admitted of World Cup selection. "Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. "At the end of the day, they're the selectors and it's an incredibly tough decision."

Steve Smith, David Warner 'paid price', says Australia cricket chief as boycott threat revealed

Fitting the disgraced duo of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Steve+Smith">Steve Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=David+Warner">David Warner</a> into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch.

Both Smith and Warner are eligible to return to the national side after their 12-month suspensions for ball-tampering ended on Thursday.

Australia beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series, and have now won six matches in succession after coming back to defeat India 3-2 away.

Finch said it would be tough for selectors to decide who to leave out of the 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England.

"It is bloody hard," he said.

"Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is.

"At the end of the day ... it's an incredibly tough decision. Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad, there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there."

One could be Usman Khawaja, formerly a fringe member of the one-day side, who has flourished opening the batting with Finch since his recall in January, with 609 runs at an average of 55.36.

The left-hander could make way for Warner, who has scored more than 4,300 one-day runs and 14 centuries, in an explosive opening combination with Finch.

Smith, who has only just returned from elbow surgery, would complement a middle order of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb, with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell providing power-hitting through the lower-middle order.

Having struggled for a period without Smith and Warner, Finch's side have shown the kind of form that propelled them to a fifth World Cup title four years ago on home soil.

Finch said consistency of selection had aided their turnaround.

"The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role, and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands, is gold," he said.

"That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past.

"I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so.

"That goes a long way, not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays."

Fitting the disgraced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch.

Fitting the disgraced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch. Both Smith and Warner are eligible to return to the national side after their 12-month suspensions for ball-tampering ended on Thursday. Australia beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series, and have now won six matches in succession after coming back to defeat India 3-2 away. Finch said it would be tough for selectors to decide who to leave out of the 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England. "It is bloody hard," he said. "Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is. "At the end of the day ... it's an incredibly tough decision. Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad, there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there." One could be Usman Khawaja, formerly a fringe member of the one-day side, who has flourished opening the batting with Finch since his recall in January, with 609 runs at an average of 55.36. The left-hander could make way for Warner, who has scored more than 4,300 one-day runs and 14 centuries, in an explosive opening combination with Finch. Smith, who has only just returned from elbow surgery, would complement a middle order of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb, with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell providing power-hitting through the lower-middle order. Having struggled for a period without Smith and Warner, Finch's side have shown the kind of form that propelled them to a fifth World Cup title four years ago on home soil. Finch said consistency of selection had aided their turnaround. "The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role, and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands, is gold," he said. "That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past. "I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so. "That goes a long way, not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays."

Return of Steve Smith, David Warner makes for hard selections: Aaron Finch

Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad is set to face Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday.&nbsp;

So far the tournament is in its full swing and has seen quite enough, from some mesmerising performances to few controversies as well.&nbsp;

'Mankaded' in their opening match, Rajasthan would look to resurrect their fortunes against Hyderabad, who would also be aiming to put behind a disappointing first-day show.

Players are also focusing on giving their 100 per cent and impress their national team selectors to get a confirmed ticket to the England-bound plane for the cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

For Rajasthan, Jos Buttler looked in great touch in their opener but he would look for more support from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith and Ben Stokes in the batting department.&nbsp;

In particular, Smith, who returned to the IPL after missing the last edition following the ball-tampering scandal, would be eyeing more time at the crease ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Dhawal Kulkarni and spinner Krishnappa Gowtham were brilliant upfront with the ball against Punjab, but Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat leaked runs.&nbsp;

Pacer Jofra Archer, who gave away just 17 runs in his four overs, looked threatening but wickets eluded him.

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Just like Rajasthan, Hyderabad too didn't have a dream start to their campaign, losing by six wickets to Kolkata.&nbsp;

While David Warner-led Hyderabad's batting looked solid, the death bowling performance spoiled their chances against Kolkata.&nbsp;

Warner, who is in imperious form after returning to competitive cricket following the one-year ban for ball-tampering, played true to his reputation, smashing 85 off 53 balls against Kolkata the other day.

And Hyderabad know their chances heavily depend on Warner's success even though they also have the likes of skipper Kane Williamson, Jonny Bairstow, Vijay Shankar, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan in their ranks.&nbsp;

Williamson wasn't available in the first game due to injury but head coach Tom Moody indicated that he in all likelihood "will be fit for Friday's game and lead the side".&nbsp;

Hyderabad bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, had a good outing for the most part of the match on Sunday before the Andre Russell storm blew them away in the last three overs.

Needing 53 off the last three overs, Russell hammered Bhuvneshwar and Siddharth Kaul before Shakib was taken to the cleaners by young Shubman Gill in the final over as Sunrisers lost the plot.

And come Friday, Bhuvneshwar and the rest of the attack, which also includes Rashid Khan, will be eyeing a much-improved death bowling show.

Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad is set to face Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan in an Indian Premier League match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday. So far the tournament is in its full swing and has seen quite enough, from some mesmerising performances to few controversies as well.

Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad is set to face Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan in an Indian Premier League match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday. So far the tournament is in its full swing and has seen quite enough, from some mesmerising performances to few controversies as well. 'Mankaded' in their opening match, Rajasthan would look to resurrect their fortunes against Hyderabad, who would also be aiming to put behind a disappointing first-day show. Players are also focusing on giving their 100 per cent and impress their national team selectors to get a confirmed ticket to the England-bound plane for the cricket World Cup. For Rajasthan, Jos Buttler looked in great touch in their opener but he would look for more support from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith and Ben Stokes in the batting department. In particular, Smith, who returned to the IPL after missing the last edition following the ball-tampering scandal, would be eyeing more time at the crease ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup. Dhawal Kulkarni and spinner Krishnappa Gowtham were brilliant upfront with the ball against Punjab, but Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat leaked runs. Pacer Jofra Archer, who gave away just 17 runs in his four overs, looked threatening but wickets eluded him. Watch the preview: × Just like Rajasthan, Hyderabad too didn't have a dream start to their campaign, losing by six wickets to Kolkata. While David Warner-led Hyderabad's batting looked solid, the death bowling performance spoiled their chances against Kolkata. Warner, who is in imperious form after returning to competitive cricket following the one-year ban for ball-tampering, played true to his reputation, smashing 85 off 53 balls against Kolkata the other day. And Hyderabad know their chances heavily depend on Warner's success even though they also have the likes of skipper Kane Williamson, Jonny Bairstow, Vijay Shankar, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan in their ranks. Williamson wasn't available in the first game due to injury but head coach Tom Moody indicated that he in all likelihood "will be fit for Friday's game and lead the side". Hyderabad bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, had a good outing for the most part of the match on Sunday before the Andre Russell storm blew them away in the last three overs. Needing 53 off the last three overs, Russell hammered Bhuvneshwar and Siddharth Kaul before Shakib was taken to the cleaners by young Shubman Gill in the final over as Sunrisers lost the plot. And come Friday, Bhuvneshwar and the rest of the attack, which also includes Rashid Khan, will be eyeing a much-improved death bowling show.

IPL 2019: Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad to host Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan

Chris Gayle hit a belligerent half-century as Punjab registered a convincing 14-run win over Rajasthan in a controversial Indian Premier League match here Monday.

Opening the innings, Gayle started in an uncharacteristic fashion but grew in confidence as the innings progressed and helped Punjab post a challenging 184 for four after being sent into bat.

Gayle scored 79 off 47 balls and hit eight boundaries and four sixes in the process. Besides Gayle, young Sarfaraz Khan (46 not out off 29 balls) also played a good hand.

Chasing the stiff target, Jos Buttler (69) and skipper Ajinkya Rahane (27) got Rajasthan off to a brisk start, dealing in boundaries and sixes to pile up 64 runs in the first six overs of powerplay.

Buttler, in particular, looked in a destructive mood as he didn't spare a single Kings bowler and struck eight boundaries and two hits over the fence to notch up his fifty in just 29 balls.

Buttler and Rahane shared 78 runs in eight overs for the opening stand before the Rajasthan skipper was cleaned up by his Punjab counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin.

Also-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">Watch: Jos Buttler '</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">mankaded</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">' by R Ashwin, Twitter slams Punjab captain</a>

Buttler was going strong in the company of Sanju Samson (30) as they duo batted sensibly to keep Rajasthan in the hunt.

But just when it seemed Kings XI were running out of ideas, skipper Ashwin did the unthinkable as Buttler became the first victim of 'Mankading' in the history of IPL.

A desperate Ashwin mankaded Buttler in controversial circumstances in the 13th over with Rajasthan scoreboard reading 108 for two.

At that stage Buttler was going strong at 69 off 43 balls. The dismissal is sure to raise fresh debate over the spirit of the game as Ashwin didn't give the Englishman a prior warning.&nbsp;

As expected Buttler seemed furious and had a heated exchange with Ashwin before leaving the field after the third umpire ruled him out.

That dismissal completely changed the complexion of the match in favour of Kings XI as Steve Smith (20), Samson, Ben Stokes and Rahul Tripathy departed in quick succession in search of quick runs.

From there on, it proved to be an uphill task for Rajasthan as they needed 27 off the last two overs with six wickets down.

Earlier, Rajasthan's decision to bowl first on a two-paced wicket was bang on target as K L Rahul lasted just four balls before edging an outgoing Dhawal Kulkarni delivery to wicketkeeper Buttler, who took a brilliant one-handed catch.

Gayle and Mayank Agarwal (22) then struggled to hit big shots against Kings XI's disciplined bowling as they garnered just 32 runs in the powerplay overs.

The duo finally broke their shackles, hitting Jaydev Unadkat for a four and six to yield 13 runs of the bowler's opening over.

Gayle then opened up his arms again and hit Krishnappa Gowtham for a maximum in the first ball of the ninth over.

But Gowtham broke the 54-run stand between Gayle and Agarwal after the latter was holed out a long-off by Kulkarni.

Brought back into the attack in the 12th over, Unadkat was taken to the cleaners by Gayle as he hit the left-arm pacer for three consecutive fours and then a straight six over the bowler's head to bring up his fifty in 33 balls.

Unadkat's second over, that produced 17 runs, opened the floodgates for Kings as Sarfaraz too joined the party and together with Gayle punished the bad deliveries.

After playing cautiously initially, Gayle went on a rampage, stood on his crease and clobbered Stokes (2/48) for two boundaries and six before being holed out at midwicket fence by Tripathi in the fifth ball of the same over.

Gayle and Sarfaraz added 84 runs for the third wicket and in the process gave Punjab&nbsp;the much-needed momentum.

After Gayle's dismissal, Sarfaraz took the onus on himself and took Kings XI past the 180-run mark.&nbsp;

Chris Gayle hit a belligerent half-century as Punjab registered a convincing 14-run win over Rajasthan in a controversial Indian Premier League match here Monday.

Chris Gayle hit a belligerent half-century as Punjab registered a convincing 14-run win over Rajasthan in a controversial Indian Premier League match here Monday. Opening the innings, Gayle started in an uncharacteristic fashion but grew in confidence as the innings progressed and helped Punjab post a challenging 184 for four after being sent into bat. Gayle scored 79 off 47 balls and hit eight boundaries and four sixes in the process. Besides Gayle, young Sarfaraz Khan (46 not out off 29 balls) also played a good hand. Chasing the stiff target, Jos Buttler (69) and skipper Ajinkya Rahane (27) got Rajasthan off to a brisk start, dealing in boundaries and sixes to pile up 64 runs in the first six overs of powerplay. Buttler, in particular, looked in a destructive mood as he didn't spare a single Kings bowler and struck eight boundaries and two hits over the fence to notch up his fifty in just 29 balls. Buttler and Rahane shared 78 runs in eight overs for the opening stand before the Rajasthan skipper was cleaned up by his Punjab counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin. Also- Watch: Jos Buttler 'mankaded' by R Ashwin, Twitter slams Punjab captain Buttler was going strong in the company of Sanju Samson (30) as they duo batted sensibly to keep Rajasthan in the hunt. But just when it seemed Kings XI were running out of ideas, skipper Ashwin did the unthinkable as Buttler became the first victim of 'Mankading' in the history of IPL. A desperate Ashwin mankaded Buttler in controversial circumstances in the 13th over with Rajasthan scoreboard reading 108 for two. At that stage Buttler was going strong at 69 off 43 balls. The dismissal is sure to raise fresh debate over the spirit of the game as Ashwin didn't give the Englishman a prior warning. As expected Buttler seemed furious and had a heated exchange with Ashwin before leaving the field after the third umpire ruled him out. That dismissal completely changed the complexion of the match in favour of Kings XI as Steve Smith (20), Samson, Ben Stokes and Rahul Tripathy departed in quick succession in search of quick runs. From there on, it proved to be an uphill task for Rajasthan as they needed 27 off the last two overs with six wickets down. Earlier, Rajasthan's decision to bowl first on a two-paced wicket was bang on target as K L Rahul lasted just four balls before edging an outgoing Dhawal Kulkarni delivery to wicketkeeper Buttler, who took a brilliant one-handed catch. Gayle and Mayank Agarwal (22) then struggled to hit big shots against Kings XI's disciplined bowling as they garnered just 32 runs in the powerplay overs. The duo finally broke their shackles, hitting Jaydev Unadkat for a four and six to yield 13 runs of the bowler's opening over. Gayle then opened up his arms again and hit Krishnappa Gowtham for a maximum in the first ball of the ninth over. But Gowtham broke the 54-run stand between Gayle and Agarwal after the latter was holed out a long-off by Kulkarni. Brought back into the attack in the 12th over, Unadkat was taken to the cleaners by Gayle as he hit the left-arm pacer for three consecutive fours and then a straight six over the bowler's head to bring up his fifty in 33 balls. Unadkat's second over, that produced 17 runs, opened the floodgates for Kings as Sarfaraz too joined the party and together with Gayle punished the bad deliveries. After playing cautiously initially, Gayle went on a rampage, stood on his crease and clobbered Stokes (2/48) for two boundaries and six before being holed out at midwicket fence by Tripathi in the fifth ball of the same over. Gayle and Sarfaraz added 84 runs for the third wicket and in the process gave Punjab the much-needed momentum. After Gayle's dismissal, Sarfaraz took the onus on himself and took Kings XI past the 180-run mark.

Chris Gayle's fifty hands Punjab 14-run win over Rajasthan as Ashwin sparks

Former Indian fast bowler Steve Smith on Monday conceded that Steve Smith was wrong in orchestrating ball-tampering but stressed that life ban for him would be too harsh.

"Life ban for them would be too harsh, not just for them but for any player," Nehra said.

The left-arm pacer had the same opinion for David Warner too.

"You have to give them [Smith and David Warner] credit that they accepted to ball-tampering and stood down from captaincy and vice-captaincy," he added.&nbsp;

On being asked about their future upcoming IPL season, Nehra said they should not be expelled and should be allowed to play as players. 
&nbsp; 
"I do not think they should be expelled from IPL. Even if they play as players and not as captains for their respective franchises, the teams would be benefitted."

He urged the cricket fraternity to move forward now as they have accepted their mistake.

On Saturday, Smith confessed that the decision on ball-tampering had been taken by the leadership group of the team.

Following the confession, he and Warner stood down as captain and vice-captain respectively.&nbsp;

Today, Smith also stood down as the captain of his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. India's Test batsman Ajinky Rahane has been announced as his replacement.&nbsp;

For the ball-tampering act, ICC handed Smith a one-match suspension and fined 100 per cent of his match fee for his leadership role in the shameful act.&nbsp;

Additionally, Australia opener Cameron Bancroft has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points for breaching Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The left-arm pacer had the same opinion for David Warner too

Former Indian fast bowler Steve Smith on Monday conceded that Steve Smith was wrong in orchestrating ball-tampering but stressed that life ban for him would be too harsh. "Life ban for them would be too harsh, not just for them but for any player," Nehra said. The left-arm pacer had the same opinion for David Warner too. "You have to give them [Smith and David Warner] credit that they accepted to ball-tampering and stood down from captaincy and vice-captaincy," he added. On being asked about their future upcoming IPL season, Nehra said they should not be expelled and should be allowed to play as players. "I do not think they should be expelled from IPL. Even if they play as players and not as captains for their respective franchises, the teams would be benefitted." He urged the cricket fraternity to move forward now as they have accepted their mistake. On Saturday, Smith confessed that the decision on ball-tampering had been taken by the leadership group of the team. Following the confession, he and Warner stood down as captain and vice-captain respectively. Today, Smith also stood down as the captain of his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. India's Test batsman Ajinky Rahane has been announced as his replacement. For the ball-tampering act, ICC handed Smith a one-match suspension and fined 100 per cent of his match fee for his leadership role in the shameful act. Additionally, Australia opener Cameron Bancroft has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points for breaching Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Too harsh': Ashish Nehra on life ban for Steve Smith

Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday.&nbsp;

Smith was handed a one-year ban along with his then-deputy David Warner exactly a year ago for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. &nbsp;

Smith was last seen in action in a couple of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches late last year before an elbow injury ruled him out of the tournament. The ban was limited to state and international fixtures only and not domestic or club cricket. &nbsp;

The IPL will be the actual start of his long road to redemption and Smith would be looking to make the most of it ahead of the World Cup, starting May 30 in England. &nbsp;

Smith, though, is yet to recover fully from his elbow injury and may take a little time to get into the groove.&nbsp;

With Smith in their ranks, the Rajasthan have one of the best teams this season led by Ajinkya Rahane and they would be eager to capitalise on the home advantage tomorrow. &nbsp;

British all-rounder Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are assets to the team but they will not be available after April 25 as per England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) diktat because of the World Cup, and Rajasthan would be keen to win enough matches by then.&nbsp;

Stokes will once again be the key in both batting and bowling departments, while Punjab team would be expecting their all-rounder Sam Curran to be on the top of his game tomorrow.&nbsp;

Their bowling too have reasonable depth with speedster Jaidev Unadkat eying a slot in Indian team for the World Cup. Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi and few others give variety and options to Rajasthan for different conditions. &nbsp;

Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab side would rely heavily on their openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul to provide them a fiery start and if swashbuckling West Indian opener happens to be in his elements, Punjab may be able to draw the first blood.&nbsp;

Skipper Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format. With Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Punjab's bowling looks pretty strong. &nbsp;

Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday.

Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday. Smith was handed a one-year ban along with his then-deputy David Warner exactly a year ago for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Smith was last seen in action in a couple of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches late last year before an elbow injury ruled him out of the tournament. The ban was limited to state and international fixtures only and not domestic or club cricket. The IPL will be the actual start of his long road to redemption and Smith would be looking to make the most of it ahead of the World Cup, starting May 30 in England. Smith, though, is yet to recover fully from his elbow injury and may take a little time to get into the groove. With Smith in their ranks, the Rajasthan have one of the best teams this season led by Ajinkya Rahane and they would be eager to capitalise on the home advantage tomorrow. British all-rounder Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are assets to the team but they will not be available after April 25 as per England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) diktat because of the World Cup, and Rajasthan would be keen to win enough matches by then. Stokes will once again be the key in both batting and bowling departments, while Punjab team would be expecting their all-rounder Sam Curran to be on the top of his game tomorrow. Their bowling too have reasonable depth with speedster Jaidev Unadkat eying a slot in Indian team for the World Cup. Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi and few others give variety and options to Rajasthan for different conditions. Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab side would rely heavily on their openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul to provide them a fiery start and if swashbuckling West Indian opener happens to be in his elements, Punjab may be able to draw the first blood. Skipper Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format. With Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Punjab's bowling looks pretty strong.

IPL 2019: Focus on Steve Smith as Rajasthan start campaign against Punjab

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian.

The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan&nbsp;clash with Punjab tomorrow.

"We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness," said Ashwin.

Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball.

Asked if he feels, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India's World Cup squad, he was a tad irritated.

"I can't answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play," he said.

When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is key to remain strong.

"Cricket now a days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too," he said.&nbsp;

Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian that Gayle is huge player for his team.&nbsp;

"The way he batted in the last series against quality bowlers and took on the spinners shows that he still is a formidable force. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom," said Hesson.

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian.

Steve Smith would still be a bit rusty and Punjab would try to exploit it to their advantage, says skipper Ravichandran Ashwin, who also reckons that it won't be easy comeback journey for the Australian. The spotlight will be on Smith when Rajasthan clash with Punjab tomorrow. "We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy. He must have put a lot of efforts for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness," said Ashwin. Ashwin himself is struggling to make a comeback to the Indian side and is likely to miss the World Cup bus with Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja doing a nice job with the white ball. Asked if he feels, he is still in reckoning for a spot in India's World Cup squad, he was a tad irritated. "I can't answer the question. Selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned I have played two World Cups. If I deserve and I am selected I would love to play," he said. When pointed out that he was deceptive a few years back but was sorted out and whether Chahal and Kuldeep could also meet the same fate, Ashwin said adaptation is key to remain strong. "Cricket now a days reveal all. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on off side too," he said. Punjab coach Mike Hesson said big-hitting West Indian that Gayle is huge player for his team. "The way he batted in the last series against quality bowlers and took on the spinners shows that he still is a formidable force. He is an asset on the field and in the dressing room where he helps youngsters groom," said Hesson.

Steve Smith is a quality player but no comeback is easy: Punjab skipper R Ashwin

The 2008 champions of Indian Premier League is expected to raise their game in the upcoming edition of India's annual cricket carnival which will kick off from March 23.

Rajasthan Royals have made very smart choices when they purchased players like Jaydev Unadkat, Oshane Thomas, Varun Aaron etc.

They already had a well-balanced squad, when they retained Ajinkya Rahane, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror and few more.

RR made a return in IPL 2018 after completing a two-year ban but suffered a huge set back when their star player and skipper Steve Smith was banned from participating in IPL because of his involvement in a ball-tampering scandal that rocked the cricketing world.

In the absence of Smith, Ajinkya Rahane stepped up and lead the team but as a player, he failed to deliver with his bat.

Same goes with Ben Stokes, who was last season's most expensive buy, ended up as an unprofitable asset.

Also, Sanju Samson who failed last year despite starting the season as one of the orange cap contenders but keeping his performances in previous seasons in mind, it is very evident that Samson has potential.

But Jos Buttler, who made crucial contributions to the team and stepped up at various instances in last season, is expected to do it again.

Buttler has been consistent with his performance for the England cricket team.

Batting department this time is strengthened with the presence of Steve Smith as he is expected to raise his game for Royals.

Playing for Rajasthan Royals will be a huge thing for Smith as this is the only cricket he will be playing before World Cup, where he will make an international comeback.

Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson and Steve Smith are key players in the batting unit.

Followed by Ben Stokes, Aston Turner in the mid, however, players like Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Aaron need to deliver to cut pressure off main batsmen as and when required.

However, Australia's&nbsp;rising sensation Ashton Turner is unavailable for first three games for Royals due to international commitment against Pakistan.

In the bowling unit, Royals have two good spinners which are Shreyas Gopal and K Gowtham and their combination might prove lethal.

Jofra Archer, who is doing well in England's domestic set up, will lead the pace attack along with the new buy Oshane Thomas.

But the lack of backup bowling options is a major threat for the team.

Players like Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Ashton Turner will look to deliver their level best considering the World Cup looming in.

Royals finished fourth last season and have the potential to make a come back and emerge as an unlikely hero.

Here is the squad list:

Retained: Ajinkya Rahane, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Gopal, Aryaman Birla, S Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror

Purchased: Jaydev Unadkat (Rs 8.4 crore), Varun Aaron (Rs 2.4 crore), Oshane Thomas (Rs 1.1 crore), Shashank Singh (Rs 30 lakh), Liam Livingstone (Rs 50 lakh), Shubham Rajane (Rs 20 lakh), Manan Vohra (Rs 20 lakh), Ashton Turner (Rs 50 lakh), Riyan Parag (Rs 20 lakh).

The 2008 champions of Indian Premier League is expected to raise their game in the upcoming edition of India's annual cricket carnival which will kick off from March 23.

The 2008 champions of Indian Premier League is expected to raise their game in the upcoming edition of India's annual cricket carnival which will kick off from March 23. Rajasthan Royals have made very smart choices when they purchased players like Jaydev Unadkat, Oshane Thomas, Varun Aaron etc. They already had a well-balanced squad, when they retained Ajinkya Rahane, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror and few more. RR made a return in IPL 2018 after completing a two-year ban but suffered a huge set back when their star player and skipper Steve Smith was banned from participating in IPL because of his involvement in a ball-tampering scandal that rocked the cricketing world. In the absence of Smith, Ajinkya Rahane stepped up and lead the team but as a player, he failed to deliver with his bat. Same goes with Ben Stokes, who was last season's most expensive buy, ended up as an unprofitable asset. Also, Sanju Samson who failed last year despite starting the season as one of the orange cap contenders but keeping his performances in previous seasons in mind, it is very evident that Samson has potential. But Jos Buttler, who made crucial contributions to the team and stepped up at various instances in last season, is expected to do it again. Buttler has been consistent with his performance for the England cricket team. Batting department this time is strengthened with the presence of Steve Smith as he is expected to raise his game for Royals. Playing for Rajasthan Royals will be a huge thing for Smith as this is the only cricket he will be playing before World Cup, where he will make an international comeback. Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson and Steve Smith are key players in the batting unit. Followed by Ben Stokes, Aston Turner in the mid, however, players like Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Aaron need to deliver to cut pressure off main batsmen as and when required. However, Australia's rising sensation Ashton Turner is unavailable for first three games for Royals due to international commitment against Pakistan. In the bowling unit, Royals have two good spinners which are Shreyas Gopal and K Gowtham and their combination might prove lethal. Jofra Archer, who is doing well in England's domestic set up, will lead the pace attack along with the new buy Oshane Thomas. But the lack of backup bowling options is a major threat for the team. Players like Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Ashton Turner will look to deliver their level best considering the World Cup looming in. Royals finished fourth last season and have the potential to make a come back and emerge as an unlikely hero. Here is the squad list: Retained: Ajinkya Rahane, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Gopal, Aryaman Birla, S Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror Purchased: Jaydev Unadkat (Rs 8.4 crore), Varun Aaron (Rs 2.4 crore), Oshane Thomas (Rs 1.1 crore), Shashank Singh (Rs 30 lakh), Liam Livingstone (Rs 50 lakh), Shubham Rajane (Rs 20 lakh), Manan Vohra (Rs 20 lakh), Ashton Turner (Rs 50 lakh), Riyan Parag (Rs 20 lakh).

IPL 2019: Squad analysis of Rajasthan

In-form batsman Usman Khawaja should be part of Australia's World Cup plans despite the imminent returns of Steve Smith and David Warner, former captain Ricky Ponting has said.

Khawaja struck 383 runs, including two centuries, in Australia's 3-2 series win over India earlier this month and Ponting is of the view that the left-hander opener had earned his place at the World Cup.

"I think we all saw over the last few weeks just how skilful a player Usman Khawaja is... and I think when you see him play like that it just makes you wonder why he doesn't do it a bit more regularly," Ponting told reporters on Tuesday.

"I would be surprised if Khawaja wasn't in the (World Cup) squad. Khawaja could probably slot down at three when Warner comes in and Steve Smith might bat at four or five or something just to shore up those middle overs."

Smith and Warner were suspended for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year and are set to be reintegrated into the team ahead of the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England and Wales.

Ponting, who led Australia to World Cup glory in 2003 and 2007, said current skipper Aaron Finch would continue to lead the side at this year's tournament but former captain Smith could still be counted for advice.

"(Smith) is still out on the field, so he can help Aaron Finch out," Ponting added. "I'd imagine that Aaron Finch would be leaning on Steve Smith a lot for a bit of advice, maybe leading into the games, as far as preparation is concerned."

In-form batsman Usman Khawaja should be part of Australia's World Cup plans despite the imminent returns of Steve Smith and David Warner, former captain Ricky Ponting has said.

In-form batsman Usman Khawaja should be part of Australia's World Cup plans despite the imminent returns of Steve Smith and David Warner, former captain Ricky Ponting has said. Khawaja struck 383 runs, including two centuries, in Australia's 3-2 series win over India earlier this month and Ponting is of the view that the left-hander opener had earned his place at the World Cup. "I think we all saw over the last few weeks just how skilful a player Usman Khawaja is... and I think when you see him play like that it just makes you wonder why he doesn't do it a bit more regularly," Ponting told reporters on Tuesday. "I would be surprised if Khawaja wasn't in the (World Cup) squad. Khawaja could probably slot down at three when Warner comes in and Steve Smith might bat at four or five or something just to shore up those middle overs." Smith and Warner were suspended for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year and are set to be reintegrated into the team ahead of the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England and Wales. Ponting, who led Australia to World Cup glory in 2003 and 2007, said current skipper Aaron Finch would continue to lead the side at this year's tournament but former captain Smith could still be counted for advice. "(Smith) is still out on the field, so he can help Aaron Finch out," Ponting added. "I'd imagine that Aaron Finch would be leaning on Steve Smith a lot for a bit of advice, maybe leading into the games, as far as preparation is concerned."

Despite Smith-Warner return, Ricky Ponting backs Usman Khawaja to make Australia's World Cup squad

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-steve-smith-feeling-good-as-he-is-back-in-nets-after-elbow-surgery-200451">Steve Smith and David Warner</a> have been welcomed back into the Australian fold with "hugs and cuddles" at a team meet-up in Dubai, and said it was like they'd never left.

The disgraced pair, whose year-long bans for ball-tampering expire this month, were invited by coach Justin Langer as part of their re-integration after the scandal in South Africa that rocked the cricketing world.

Australia are in Dubai as they prepare for an upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates following their upset one-day series win against India.

"It's been awesome. It's like we didn't really leave, the boys were very accepting of us coming in and with open arms," said Warner in audio comments supplied to AFP Sunday.

"A lot of big hugs and cuddles. It's been great.&nbsp;

"It's good to see the spirit they're in after a great series win in India and I am obviously looking forward to watching them play against Pakistan here and hopefully they win that series as well," he added.

The "sandpapergate" scandal in Cape Town, which also saw opening batsman Cameron Bancroft banned for nine months, had far-reaching consequences for Australian cricket.

Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit and there was a clean-out of top executives from Cricket Australia after a scathing review said its "arrogant and controlling" culture was partly to blame for players bending the rules.

Australian cricket has since undergone a host of cultural changes under Langer, and Warner and Smith were brought up to speed at the meeting on how it now worked.

"Making sure we're in line with team values moving forwards," Warner said of the meet-up, which also discussed the squad's preparations for the upcoming World Cup.&nbsp;

"Obviously (we've) been out for 12 months and there has been a big change, which is great, and it's about excepting that and playing what our role should be in the team."

Smith, who was stripped of the captaincy and is barred from being considered for any leadership role for a further 12 months after his ban ends, echoed Warner's comments.

"It seems like some really good energy among the team at the moment," he said.

"It's great to be back around the group, they've been really welcoming and almost like we've never left."

While the cheating row initially unleashed a torrent of vitriol against them, that sentiment has eased significantly and they are expected to be slotted straight back into the team.

Smith said the Dubai catch-up went through "the values that are instilled in the team at the moment and making sure we are on the right path looking forward to what's coming up; a huge World Cup and an Ashes series in England".

Both players, who are returning from elbow injuries, are eligible for the final two games of the Pakistan series. But selectors decided it would be better to ease themselves back at the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Steve Smith and David Warner have been welcomed back into the Australian fold with "hugs and cuddles" at a team meet-up in Dubai, and said it was like they'd never left.

Steve Smith and David Warner have been welcomed back into the Australian fold with "hugs and cuddles" at a team meet-up in Dubai, and said it was like they'd never left. The disgraced pair, whose year-long bans for ball-tampering expire this month, were invited by coach Justin Langer as part of their re-integration after the scandal in South Africa that rocked the cricketing world. Australia are in Dubai as they prepare for an upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates following their upset one-day series win against India. "It's been awesome. It's like we didn't really leave, the boys were very accepting of us coming in and with open arms," said Warner in audio comments supplied to AFP Sunday. "A lot of big hugs and cuddles. It's been great. "It's good to see the spirit they're in after a great series win in India and I am obviously looking forward to watching them play against Pakistan here and hopefully they win that series as well," he added. The "sandpapergate" scandal in Cape Town, which also saw opening batsman Cameron Bancroft banned for nine months, had far-reaching consequences for Australian cricket. Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit and there was a clean-out of top executives from Cricket Australia after a scathing review said its "arrogant and controlling" culture was partly to blame for players bending the rules. Australian cricket has since undergone a host of cultural changes under Langer, and Warner and Smith were brought up to speed at the meeting on how it now worked. "Making sure we're in line with team values moving forwards," Warner said of the meet-up, which also discussed the squad's preparations for the upcoming World Cup. "Obviously (we've) been out for 12 months and there has been a big change, which is great, and it's about excepting that and playing what our role should be in the team." Smith, who was stripped of the captaincy and is barred from being considered for any leadership role for a further 12 months after his ban ends, echoed Warner's comments. "It seems like some really good energy among the team at the moment," he said. "It's great to be back around the group, they've been really welcoming and almost like we've never left." While the cheating row initially unleashed a torrent of vitriol against them, that sentiment has eased significantly and they are expected to be slotted straight back into the team. Smith said the Dubai catch-up went through "the values that are instilled in the team at the moment and making sure we are on the right path looking forward to what's coming up; a huge World Cup and an Ashes series in England". Both players, who are returning from elbow injuries, are eligible for the final two games of the Pakistan series. But selectors decided it would be better to ease themselves back at the upcoming Indian Premier League.

'It's like we didn't really leave': Steve Smith, David Warner on returning to the Australian cricket team

Having been welcomed with open arms by his national teammates in Dubai, Steve Smith Sunday touched down in Jaipur to join his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals' pre-tournament camp ahead of cash-rich league <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2019-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-185821#chennai-super-kings-185803">starting March 23</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With an aim on getting back in the Australian side for the World Cup, Smith is expected to raise his game for Royals and franchise's brand ambassador Shane Warne knows that the former skipper will be as "hungry as ever".&nbsp;

"He (Smith) will be so excited to turn up and play cricket. That's what he loves doing and that's what he is very very good at. Smith and Warner are two of the best players in world cricket, I think Smith will be giving a lot and integrate with the team," Warne told PTI during an interaction.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smith and David Warner would soon be completing their one-year international ban for their involvement in ball tampering scandal in South Africa last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The duo spent some time with the Australian team in Dubai on invitation of coach Justin Langer and both said that they felt at home instantly with the vibes that they got from their teammates.&nbsp;

With rising sensation Ashton Turner unavailable for first three games for Royals due to international commitment against Pakistan, Smith along with Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer will be key overseas players for the 2008 champions.&nbsp;

Playing for Rajasthan Royals will be a huge thing for Smith as this is the only cricket he will be playing before World Cup, where he will make an international comeback.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Having Smith's experience around and his hunger and passion as the only cricket that is before World Cup, will be a big thing for him. I have no doubt that Smith and Warner will get back to their best as they were before," Warne said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Royals' bargain buy Ashton Turner however won't be available till April 1 due to the Pakistan series. Warne expects him to push for his place among four overseas players.&nbsp;

"He is class. You saw in Mohali what Ashton Turner can do. He is a very good leader. He has got an old head on his shoulders and is a terrific buy for RR. We always had one or two terrific buys. But I think he is playing against Pakistan in Dubai till April 1. So basically he misses the first three games. He is terrific back-up," said Warne, who led Royals to the title during the inaugural edition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"If Turner gets a few more big scores (vs Pakistan), he could be pushing for selection. You have four overseas selections, so Butler is in, Stokes is in, Jofra Archer so there is three and then you have Steve Smith's class, so you have four. He will be pushing for WC selection for every game that he performs," Warne made it clear that every performance for Royals will be important.&nbsp;

As per Warne's assessment, this year, Royals have put together one of their "strongest squads".&nbsp;

"I think when you look back to Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, they have generally been the underdogs. They haven't always spent much money buying players. We haven't generally had the big international or big Indian players. But I think, this year, this is the strongest squad that Royals have put together.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They have spent a lot of money on some big Indian players, when you look at the squad -- Rahul Tripathi, Jos Butler, Sanju Samson. A lot of people are tipping Royals to win it and I think they are one of the favourites this year," Warne said.&nbsp;

Having been welcomed with open arms by his national teammates in Dubai, Steve Smith Sunday touched down in Jaipur to join his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals' pre-tournament camp ahead of cash-rich league starting March 23.

Having been welcomed with open arms by his national teammates in Dubai, Steve Smith Sunday touched down in Jaipur to join his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals' pre-tournament camp ahead of cash-rich league starting March 23. With an aim on getting back in the Australian side for the World Cup, Smith is expected to raise his game for Royals and franchise's brand ambassador Shane Warne knows that the former skipper will be as "hungry as ever". "He (Smith) will be so excited to turn up and play cricket. That's what he loves doing and that's what he is very very good at. Smith and Warner are two of the best players in world cricket, I think Smith will be giving a lot and integrate with the team," Warne told PTI during an interaction. Smith and David Warner would soon be completing their one-year international ban for their involvement in ball tampering scandal in South Africa last year. The duo spent some time with the Australian team in Dubai on invitation of coach Justin Langer and both said that they felt at home instantly with the vibes that they got from their teammates. With rising sensation Ashton Turner unavailable for first three games for Royals due to international commitment against Pakistan, Smith along with Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer will be key overseas players for the 2008 champions. Playing for Rajasthan Royals will be a huge thing for Smith as this is the only cricket he will be playing before World Cup, where he will make an international comeback. "Having Smith's experience around and his hunger and passion as the only cricket that is before World Cup, will be a big thing for him. I have no doubt that Smith and Warner will get back to their best as they were before," Warne said. Royals' bargain buy Ashton Turner however won't be available till April 1 due to the Pakistan series. Warne expects him to push for his place among four overseas players. "He is class. You saw in Mohali what Ashton Turner can do. He is a very good leader. He has got an old head on his shoulders and is a terrific buy for RR. We always had one or two terrific buys. But I think he is playing against Pakistan in Dubai till April 1. So basically he misses the first three games. He is terrific back-up," said Warne, who led Royals to the title during the inaugural edition. "If Turner gets a few more big scores (vs Pakistan), he could be pushing for selection. You have four overseas selections, so Butler is in, Stokes is in, Jofra Archer so there is three and then you have Steve Smith's class, so you have four. He will be pushing for WC selection for every game that he performs," Warne made it clear that every performance for Royals will be important. As per Warne's assessment, this year, Royals have put together one of their "strongest squads". "I think when you look back to Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, they have generally been the underdogs. They haven't always spent much money buying players. We haven't generally had the big international or big Indian players. But I think, this year, this is the strongest squad that Royals have put together. "They have spent a lot of money on some big Indian players, when you look at the squad -- Rahul Tripathi, Jos Butler, Sanju Samson. A lot of people are tipping Royals to win it and I think they are one of the favourites this year," Warne said.

IPL 2019: Steve Smith joins Royals camp in Jaipur, Shane Warne expects him to be 'hungry'

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year.

Ponting, however, added that there won't be any internal hostility towards the former captain and vice-captain.

The two were banned for a period of 12 months for their in the aftermath of ball tampering incident against South Africa in Cape Town.&nbsp;

"I don't think it is much of a challenge internally around the players," Ponting told cricket.com.au.&nbsp;

"You'd like to think that those guys are having conversations now, so they're not leaving it to the last minute and just be exposed to this thing that could be derailing to a team.

"I'm sure this would have been talked about at a higher level for a long time - how do we integrate them back in? How do they fit in? How is it all going to be seamless?

"But the hardest part for those guys is going to be the public perception of us, especially in England. They`re coming back into a World Cup in the UK - they shouldn`t be expecting too many pats on the back over there," he said.

"They`re going to cop it everywhere they go. They`ve got to know that, they`ve got to accept that and understand that.

"The team needs to as well, because that could also be something that could be unsettling for a team," he added.

Despite their bans getting over before the fourth ODI in Dubai, the two&nbsp;weren't named in Australia's final World Cup buildup in the UAE, an upcoming five-match series against Pakistan,

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year.

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Tuesday said banned Steve Smith and David Warner's return won't be easy as he expects fan hostility and intense media scrutiny during the ICC World Cup in England, later this year. Ponting, however, added that there won't be any internal hostility towards the former captain and vice-captain. The two were banned for a period of 12 months for their in the aftermath of ball tampering incident against South Africa in Cape Town. "I don't think it is much of a challenge internally around the players," Ponting told cricket.com.au. "You'd like to think that those guys are having conversations now, so they're not leaving it to the last minute and just be exposed to this thing that could be derailing to a team. "I'm sure this would have been talked about at a higher level for a long time - how do we integrate them back in? How do they fit in? How is it all going to be seamless? "But the hardest part for those guys is going to be the public perception of us, especially in England. They`re coming back into a World Cup in the UK - they shouldn`t be expecting too many pats on the back over there," he said. "They`re going to cop it everywhere they go. They`ve got to know that, they`ve got to accept that and understand that. "The team needs to as well, because that could also be something that could be unsettling for a team," he added. Despite their bans getting over before the fourth ODI in Dubai, the two weren't named in Australia's final World Cup buildup in the UAE, an upcoming five-match series against Pakistan,

Steve Smith, David Warner return won't be easy, believes Ricky Ponting

David Warner smashed a rapid-fire century for his Sydney club side on his return from elbow surgery, reinforcing his destructive abilities ahead of the World Cup in England.

The opener plundered seven sixes and four fours in his 77-ball onslaught for Randwick-Petersham, better known as the Randy Petes, in a one-day game against Penrith that they lost.

He was finally caught during Saturday's match, in front of a few dozen fans, off the bowling of 18-year-old left-armer Henry Railz, the Cricket Australia website reported.

Year-long ball-tampering bans from state and international for Warner and former Australian skipper Steve Smith run out on March 28.

They were both left out of Australia's squad on Friday for the upcoming one-day series against Pakistan despite being eligible for the final two games.

Selector Trevor Hohns said they would be better served easing their way back at the Indian Premier League, which gets under way this month.

Both men were forced to pull out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament in January with elbow injuries and they underwent surgery.&nbsp;

Smith's injury was worse than Warner's and he is yet to return, although he picked up a bat again and had a session at the Sydney Cricket Ground last week.

"We all know they're two of the better players in world cricket," Hohns told reporters on Friday.

"So it's only natural we will take them seriously into consideration when we pick our World Cup squad. The main thing for them and us is to have them playing competitive cricket."

David Warner smashed a rapid-fire century for his Sydney club side on his return from elbow surgery, reinforcing his destructive abilities ahead of the World Cup in England.

David Warner smashed a rapid-fire century for his Sydney club side on his return from elbow surgery, reinforcing his destructive abilities ahead of the World Cup in England. The opener plundered seven sixes and four fours in his 77-ball onslaught for Randwick-Petersham, better known as the Randy Petes, in a one-day game against Penrith that they lost. He was finally caught during Saturday's match, in front of a few dozen fans, off the bowling of 18-year-old left-armer Henry Railz, the Cricket Australia website reported. Year-long ball-tampering bans from state and international for Warner and former Australian skipper Steve Smith run out on March 28. They were both left out of Australia's squad on Friday for the upcoming one-day series against Pakistan despite being eligible for the final two games. Selector Trevor Hohns said they would be better served easing their way back at the Indian Premier League, which gets under way this month. Both men were forced to pull out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament in January with elbow injuries and they underwent surgery. Smith's injury was worse than Warner's and he is yet to return, although he picked up a bat again and had a session at the Sydney Cricket Ground last week. "We all know they're two of the better players in world cricket," Hohns told reporters on Friday. "So it's only natural we will take them seriously into consideration when we pick our World Cup squad. The main thing for them and us is to have them playing competitive cricket."

David Warner smacks century on return from elbow surgery

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner will come back stronger than ever from their 12-month bans and the latter will be the best player at the World Cup this year, former leg spinner Shane Warne has said.

Smith and Warner were banned by Cricket Australia for 12 months in March last year for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in a test match against South Africa in Cape Town.

Their bans end on March 28 and both players will be reintegrated into the national team after their participation in the Indian Premier League in March and April.

"I think what you are going to see is a pretty quiet David Warner and Steve Smith. They are just going to try and let their bat do the talking and toe the line," Warne told The Telegraph in an interview https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2019/03/09/david-warner-will-best-batsman-2019-world-cup-following-ban.

"I think they will come back better than they were. They're going to come out and destroy attacks and I back David Warner to be the player of the World Cup.

"Warner overstepped the line a lot in his early career. He then changed into a more placid player but was then told by Cricket Australia to be the enforcer and was doing what he was told."

Warne expects the duo to return with renewed vigour, like he did after his 12-month ban for failing a drugs test in 2003. Warne was suspended for taking a banned diuretic and missed Australia's World Cup-winning campaign as a result.

"All I can go on is experience having a year off myself. The next four years were the best I ever had," Warne, who took 708 wickets for Australia in 145 test matches, added.

"I was hungry for the game. My body and mind were fresh and it is amazing how excited you are to play again.

"You get excited just going to the nets again because you have taken it for granted in the past."

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner will come back stronger than ever from their 12-month bans and the latter will be the best player at the World Cup this year, former leg spinner Shane Warne has said.

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner will come back stronger than ever from their 12-month bans and the latter will be the best player at the World Cup this year, former leg spinner Shane Warne has said. Smith and Warner were banned by Cricket Australia for 12 months in March last year for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in a test match against South Africa in Cape Town. Their bans end on March 28 and both players will be reintegrated into the national team after their participation in the Indian Premier League in March and April. "I think what you are going to see is a pretty quiet David Warner and Steve Smith. They are just going to try and let their bat do the talking and toe the line," Warne told The Telegraph in an interview https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2019/03/09/david-warner-will-best-batsman-2019-world-cup-following-ban. "I think they will come back better than they were. They're going to come out and destroy attacks and I back David Warner to be the player of the World Cup. "Warner overstepped the line a lot in his early career. He then changed into a more placid player but was then told by Cricket Australia to be the enforcer and was doing what he was told." Warne expects the duo to return with renewed vigour, like he did after his 12-month ban for failing a drugs test in 2003. Warne was suspended for taking a banned diuretic and missed Australia's World Cup-winning campaign as a result. "All I can go on is experience having a year off myself. The next four years were the best I ever had," Warne, who took 708 wickets for Australia in 145 test matches, added. "I was hungry for the game. My body and mind were fresh and it is amazing how excited you are to play again. "You get excited just going to the nets again because you have taken it for granted in the past."

Australia's Steve Smith and David Warner will return stronger from bans: Shane Warne

Steve Smith and David Warner's year-long exile has likely left them hungrier than ever and their return can spark Australia to World Cup glory, Test great Shane Warne said Wednesday.

The star pair's ban from state and international cricket for ball-tampering expires later this month and they are expected to be rushed back into the Australian side for the defence of their title at the showpiece tournament in England this year.

Both players have recently undergone elbow surgery and the great unknown is how they will perform back on the world stage, particularly in what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere in England.

But Warne has no doubt they will be as good as ever, benefiting from the break rather than their skills being blunted.

He is talking from experience.

Warne was suspended in 2003 for a year after testing positive to banned diuretic drugs.

Many wrote him off, but the leg-spinning legend quickly bounced back and enjoyed several more years playing at the highest level with the Australian team.

"Sometimes having an enforced lay off -- like I'm used to, I had 12 months off myself -- what that means is you become really fresh," he told Fox Sports.

"You freshen your mind up, you become hungry again and realise how important cricket is to you." Warne said both players would also "have a point to prove" when they eventually pad up again.

"That's why I reckon Australia can win the World Cup," he said, despite the team's recent patchy one-day form.

"They'll walk straight back in, they'll be hungry. They'll be a bit nervous in the first few games but that'll be good for them, they'll be excited and I would expect them to play as good as they always have."&nbsp;

Newly-appointed assistant Australia coach Ricky Ponting echoed similar sentiments recently.

Both players are expected to feature at the upcoming Indian Premier League as they tune-up for the World Cup.

Smith only returned to the nets last week from surgery in January after being forced to drop out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament with a ligament problem.

Warner's injury, sustained at the same event, was less serious and he could play his first game since then for his club side Randwick-Petersham this weekend.&nbsp;

Steve Smith and David Warner's year-long exile has likely left them hungrier than ever and their return can spark Australia to World Cup glory, Test great Shane Warne said Wednesday.

Steve Smith and David Warner's year-long exile has likely left them hungrier than ever and their return can spark Australia to World Cup glory, Test great Shane Warne said Wednesday. The star pair's ban from state and international cricket for ball-tampering expires later this month and they are expected to be rushed back into the Australian side for the defence of their title at the showpiece tournament in England this year. Both players have recently undergone elbow surgery and the great unknown is how they will perform back on the world stage, particularly in what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere in England. But Warne has no doubt they will be as good as ever, benefiting from the break rather than their skills being blunted. He is talking from experience. Warne was suspended in 2003 for a year after testing positive to banned diuretic drugs. Many wrote him off, but the leg-spinning legend quickly bounced back and enjoyed several more years playing at the highest level with the Australian team. "Sometimes having an enforced lay off -- like I'm used to, I had 12 months off myself -- what that means is you become really fresh," he told Fox Sports. "You freshen your mind up, you become hungry again and realise how important cricket is to you." Warne said both players would also "have a point to prove" when they eventually pad up again. "That's why I reckon Australia can win the World Cup," he said, despite the team's recent patchy one-day form. "They'll walk straight back in, they'll be hungry. They'll be a bit nervous in the first few games but that'll be good for them, they'll be excited and I would expect them to play as good as they always have." Newly-appointed assistant Australia coach Ricky Ponting echoed similar sentiments recently. Both players are expected to feature at the upcoming Indian Premier League as they tune-up for the World Cup. Smith only returned to the nets last week from surgery in January after being forced to drop out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament with a ligament problem. Warner's injury, sustained at the same event, was less serious and he could play his first game since then for his club side Randwick-Petersham this weekend.

Australia can defend World Cup with Steve Smith, David Warner return: Shane Warne

Steve&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;has returned to the nets after elbow surgery, with Australia coach Justin Langer expecting the banned former captain and his deputy David Warner to be fit for the Indian Premier League.

Smith&nbsp;went under the knife in January after being forced to drop out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament with a ligament problem.

He has been in a brace since, but picked up a bat again and had a session at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

"Great to have my first hit back. The elbow is feeling good,"&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;posted to his 1.4 million Instagram followers with a short video early Friday.

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BubKVz4hB2H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Great to have my first hit back today. The elbow is feeling good! 😀</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/steve_smith49/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Steve Smith</a> (@steve_smith49) on <time datetime="2019-02-28T11:53:47+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 28, 2019 at 3:53am PST</time>
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Smith&nbsp;and Warner become eligible for international selection again on March 29 after serving year-long bans for their part in attempting to alter the ball during a Test against South Africa.

Warner also returned home from Bangladesh with an injured elbow, though less serious than&nbsp;Smith. He too had surgery and was also at the SCG on Thursday.

He crossed paths there with former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who has settled in Sydney with his wife.

Morkel was training at the ground ahead of a stint with English county side Surrey, and told the Cricket Australia website that having&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;and Warner back would be good for the game.

"It's the first time I've seen Davey since South Africa," Morkel said, referring to the Cape Town Test where the tampering scandal unfolded and Warner and&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;were sent home in disgrace.

"Obviously as a cricket supporter I'm rapt for him to get back on the field. It will be great to see him and&nbsp;Steve&nbsp;(Smith) play and it will be great for Australia as well."

Langer told Australian media in India, where the team is playing a Twenty20 and one-day series, that he expected both players to be fit for the IPL, which starts late this month.

"From all accounts they should both be ready for the IPL, which is really positive," he said.

"Dave's probably a little more advanced but my understanding is they'll be ready to go in the not-too-distant future."

Langer added that "I speak to them all the time".

Once their bans expire, both players will be eligible for the final two games of Australia's five-match ODI series against Pakistan in the UAE next month.

The squad for that series has yet to be announced, although the general consensus in Australia is that they will instead play the IPL to prepare themselves for the World Cup in England.

Steve Smith has returned to the nets after elbow surgery, with Australia coach Justin Langer expecting the banned former captain and his deputy David Warner to be fit for the Indian Premier League.

Steve Smith has returned to the nets after elbow surgery, with Australia coach Justin Langer expecting the banned former captain and his deputy David Warner to be fit for the Indian Premier League. Smith went under the knife in January after being forced to drop out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament with a ligament problem. He has been in a brace since, but picked up a bat again and had a session at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. "Great to have my first hit back. The elbow is feeling good," Smith posted to his 1.4 million Instagram followers with a short video early Friday. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram Great to have my first hit back today. The elbow is feeling good! 😀 A post shared by Steve Smith (@steve_smith49) on Feb 28, 2019 at 3:53am PST × Smith and Warner become eligible for international selection again on March 29 after serving year-long bans for their part in attempting to alter the ball during a Test against South Africa. Warner also returned home from Bangladesh with an injured elbow, though less serious than Smith. He too had surgery and was also at the SCG on Thursday. He crossed paths there with former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who has settled in Sydney with his wife. Morkel was training at the ground ahead of a stint with English county side Surrey, and told the Cricket Australia website that having Smith and Warner back would be good for the game. "It's the first time I've seen Davey since South Africa," Morkel said, referring to the Cape Town Test where the tampering scandal unfolded and Warner and Smith were sent home in disgrace. "Obviously as a cricket supporter I'm rapt for him to get back on the field. It will be great to see him and Steve (Smith) play and it will be great for Australia as well." Langer told Australian media in India, where the team is playing a Twenty20 and one-day series, that he expected both players to be fit for the IPL, which starts late this month. "From all accounts they should both be ready for the IPL, which is really positive," he said. "Dave's probably a little more advanced but my understanding is they'll be ready to go in the not-too-distant future." Langer added that "I speak to them all the time". Once their bans expire, both players will be eligible for the final two games of Australia's five-match ODI series against Pakistan in the UAE next month. The squad for that series has yet to be announced, although the general consensus in Australia is that they will instead play the IPL to prepare themselves for the World Cup in England.

Watch: Steve Smith 'feeling good' as he is back in nets after elbow surgery

The injured and banned duo of Steven Smith and David Warner are unlikely to take part in Australia's final two ODIs against Pakistan despite serving out their one-year ball-tampering suspensions during the series to be held in the UAE.

After the conclusion of the ODI series against India, the defending World Champions will take on Pakistan in the five-match series with the fourth and fifth ODIs slated on March 29 and 31 respectively.

Smith and Warner, both recuperating from elbow surgeries, will find their suspension end on March 29 but there are still serious doubts whether they will play the mega event or not. Smith has just started knocking and will take some more time to get fit.

"I don't think David Warner or Steve Smith will play that game (March 29). I am not a hundred percent sure on that but I don't think they will play that last one or two games," Finch said on the eve of the first ODI.

He also curtly put it when a reporter asked if he sees himself as a stand-in captain now that both Smith and Warner are set to be back.

"No, no, I am the captain, yeah," was his blunt response.

Just like Indian team is trying to balance the workload of its players, Australia are also grappling with similar problems with Ashes starting after the World Cup.

Asked about pacer Pat Cummins' workload, Finch said: "He bowled a lot throughout the Australian summer, particularly at the back end of the India Test series. "I think having no cricket in April will help guys like Pat to freshen up. Again someone like (Mitchell) Starc, who has played no cricket needs to bowl. The workload of our fast bowlers need to be balanced."

But playing 10 ODIs in a month (India and Pakistan series in March) is quite unprecedented in Australian cricket, said Finch.

"Playing 10 ODIs in a month is quite an unchartered territory for our fast bowlers. There will be a mix and match managing the workload."

Young batsman Ashton Turner is set to make his debut and the skipper is excited about that prospect.

"Ashton Turner is a guy who will be making his debut in ODI cricket. We have seen how destructive he can be in domestic cricket, so really excited to see him get a go in international cricket as he is such a smart player.

"He is a diverse player who can bat in top couple or down the order. He is game smart and manage situations. He will be an important player, someone I am very interested to see."

It is the settled unit that makes India a very strong ODI side not only at home but in all conditions.

"It's a good question. Their batting is really strong. They have got in Virat, arguably the best player of all time in ODI cricket. Rohit has been in good form.

They have quicks, who move the ball upfront and execute really well at the death. They play well everywhere to be pretty fair," Finch said.

"I think when you have a team that has played together for a long time, they understand each other well. Probably a settled group of 14 or 15 very good players are playing for a long time. That goes a long way as to why they have been so successful in particular," he elaborated.

The injured and banned duo of Steven Smith and David Warner are unlikely to take part in Australia's final two ODIs against Pakistan despite serving out their one-year ball-tampering suspensions during the series to be held in the UAE.

The injured and banned duo of Steven Smith and David Warner are unlikely to take part in Australia's final two ODIs against Pakistan despite serving out their one-year ball-tampering suspensions during the series to be held in the UAE. After the conclusion of the ODI series against India, the defending World Champions will take on Pakistan in the five-match series with the fourth and fifth ODIs slated on March 29 and 31 respectively. Smith and Warner, both recuperating from elbow surgeries, will find their suspension end on March 29 but there are still serious doubts whether they will play the mega event or not. Smith has just started knocking and will take some more time to get fit. "I don't think David Warner or Steve Smith will play that game (March 29). I am not a hundred percent sure on that but I don't think they will play that last one or two games," Finch said on the eve of the first ODI. He also curtly put it when a reporter asked if he sees himself as a stand-in captain now that both Smith and Warner are set to be back. "No, no, I am the captain, yeah," was his blunt response. Just like Indian team is trying to balance the workload of its players, Australia are also grappling with similar problems with Ashes starting after the World Cup. Asked about pacer Pat Cummins' workload, Finch said: "He bowled a lot throughout the Australian summer, particularly at the back end of the India Test series. "I think having no cricket in April will help guys like Pat to freshen up. Again someone like (Mitchell) Starc, who has played no cricket needs to bowl. The workload of our fast bowlers need to be balanced." But playing 10 ODIs in a month (India and Pakistan series in March) is quite unprecedented in Australian cricket, said Finch. "Playing 10 ODIs in a month is quite an unchartered territory for our fast bowlers. There will be a mix and match managing the workload." Young batsman Ashton Turner is set to make his debut and the skipper is excited about that prospect. "Ashton Turner is a guy who will be making his debut in ODI cricket. We have seen how destructive he can be in domestic cricket, so really excited to see him get a go in international cricket as he is such a smart player. "He is a diverse player who can bat in top couple or down the order. He is game smart and manage situations. He will be an important player, someone I am very interested to see." It is the settled unit that makes India a very strong ODI side not only at home but in all conditions. "It's a good question. Their batting is really strong. They have got in Virat, arguably the best player of all time in ODI cricket. Rohit has been in good form. They have quicks, who move the ball upfront and execute really well at the death. They play well everywhere to be pretty fair," Finch said. "I think when you have a team that has played together for a long time, they understand each other well. Probably a settled group of 14 or 15 very good players are playing for a long time. That goes a long way as to why they have been so successful in particular," he elaborated.

Steve Smith, David Warner unlikely to play last 2 ODIs against Pakistan: Aaron Finch

In the bleakest of years for Australian cricket, fast bowler Pat Cummins has been a beacon of hope, answering the nation's call for leaders to emerge during the ball-tampering exile of Steve Smith and David Warner.

On Monday, Cummins's efforts to drag Australia back to respectability were recognised as he claimed a maiden Allan Border Medal as the country's leading cricketer.

Taking 44 wickets across all formats through the voting period from Jan. 9, 2018 - Jan. 7, 2019, Cummins edged out spinner Nathan Lyon, becoming the first bowler to win the award since fellow paceman Mitchell Johnson in 2014.

It was not just Cummins's bags of wickets that soothed fans left aghast by the Newlands ball-tampering scandal.

He showed himself to be more than a handy tail-end slogger as he smashed two half-centuries against South Africa and India, including a defiant 50 in Johannesburg as his team laboured in shame after the Cape Town Test.

Beaming in a white tuxedo at the awards night in Melbourne, the 25-year-old resembled a schoolboy posing for family photos before the senior year dance.

It was a poignant reminder of a player still very young in fast bowling terms, though long marked for greatness.

Cummins made his first splash as an 18-year-old tearaway, claiming a match-winning seven-wicket haul against South Africa on his 2011 Test debut in Johannesburg.

It took more than five years for him to play his second Test, an agonising wait for both the bowler and team staff while he battled a series of lower back stress injuries.

Since kicking off his "second career" against India at Ranchi in 2017, however, Cummins has completed a second full season with no major breakdowns.

"I’ve obviously had quite a few tough years with injury. I always thought Test cricket was the dream but wasn’t sure I’d get up there and forge a consistent career," he said at the awards night.

"Going into last summer and the Ashes, five Tests -- I’d never done anything like it before so, to get through that, I just had a heap of confidence in my body.

"To do it now, two years in a row, it’s been great. I feel like every time I bowl, my rhythm just feels a little bit better."

While Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc battled through a mostly wayward home summer, wearing a disproportionate share of the blame for the Test series loss to India, Cummins's reputation was only enhanced by the defeat.

He took a career-best 6-27 and blasted 63 with the bat in a losing cause in Melbourne, prompting local media to anoint him a future captain of the team.

Promoted to one of Australia's two vice-captains in the series against Sri Lanka, Cummins took 14 wickets in the two Tests to be named man-of-the-series.

He is now second in the ICC world bowlers' rankings behind South Africa's young gun Kagiso Rabada.

After only 20 Tests, Cummins will play the first Ashes fixture at Edgbaston in August in sight of his 100th wicket.

England beware, said former captain Michael Vaughan.

"Cummins is a superstar and will win an Ashes on his own one day," Vaughan tweeted last week.

In the bleakest of years for Australian cricket, fast bowler Pat Cummins has been a beacon of hope, answering the nation's call for leaders to emerge during the ball-tampering exile of Steve Smith and David Warner.

In the bleakest of years for Australian cricket, fast bowler Pat Cummins has been a beacon of hope, answering the nation's call for leaders to emerge during the ball-tampering exile of Steve Smith and David Warner. On Monday, Cummins's efforts to drag Australia back to respectability were recognised as he claimed a maiden Allan Border Medal as the country's leading cricketer. Taking 44 wickets across all formats through the voting period from Jan. 9, 2018 - Jan. 7, 2019, Cummins edged out spinner Nathan Lyon, becoming the first bowler to win the award since fellow paceman Mitchell Johnson in 2014. It was not just Cummins's bags of wickets that soothed fans left aghast by the Newlands ball-tampering scandal. He showed himself to be more than a handy tail-end slogger as he smashed two half-centuries against South Africa and India, including a defiant 50 in Johannesburg as his team laboured in shame after the Cape Town Test. Beaming in a white tuxedo at the awards night in Melbourne, the 25-year-old resembled a schoolboy posing for family photos before the senior year dance. It was a poignant reminder of a player still very young in fast bowling terms, though long marked for greatness. Cummins made his first splash as an 18-year-old tearaway, claiming a match-winning seven-wicket haul against South Africa on his 2011 Test debut in Johannesburg. It took more than five years for him to play his second Test, an agonising wait for both the bowler and team staff while he battled a series of lower back stress injuries. Since kicking off his "second career" against India at Ranchi in 2017, however, Cummins has completed a second full season with no major breakdowns. "I’ve obviously had quite a few tough years with injury. I always thought Test cricket was the dream but wasn’t sure I’d get up there and forge a consistent career," he said at the awards night. "Going into last summer and the Ashes, five Tests -- I’d never done anything like it before so, to get through that, I just had a heap of confidence in my body. "To do it now, two years in a row, it’s been great. I feel like every time I bowl, my rhythm just feels a little bit better." While Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc battled through a mostly wayward home summer, wearing a disproportionate share of the blame for the Test series loss to India, Cummins's reputation was only enhanced by the defeat. He took a career-best 6-27 and blasted 63 with the bat in a losing cause in Melbourne, prompting local media to anoint him a future captain of the team. Promoted to one of Australia's two vice-captains in the series against Sri Lanka, Cummins took 14 wickets in the two Tests to be named man-of-the-series. He is now second in the ICC world bowlers' rankings behind South Africa's young gun Kagiso Rabada. After only 20 Tests, Cummins will play the first Ashes fixture at Edgbaston in August in sight of his 100th wicket. England beware, said former captain Michael Vaughan. "Cummins is a superstar and will win an Ashes on his own one day," Vaughan tweeted last week.

Pat Cummins recognised for stepping up in bleak year for Australia

Steve Smith and David Warner could be in line for an immediate return to the Australian team when their bans expire midway through the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The five-match Pakistan series will be held from March 22-31, Pakistan's Cricket Board said.

Smith and Warner, who were banned for their roles in last year's Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, are eligible for selection again on March 29, meaning they can be called up for the fourth ODI against Pakistan.

Australia face 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.

The confirmation of dates for the Pakistan series also gives Australian players with lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts a measure of clarity, as players called up for the series will not be immediately released for the IPL.

The 2019 season of the IPL is scheduled to begin late March, with Australian players selected for the Pakistan series expected to be unavailable until April 2 at the earliest.

Steve Smith and David Warner could be in line for an immediate return to the Australian team when their bans expire midway through the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Steve Smith and David Warner could be in line for an immediate return to the Australian team when their bans expire midway through the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. The five-match Pakistan series will be held from March 22-31, Pakistan's Cricket Board said. Smith and Warner, who were banned for their roles in last year's Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, are eligible for selection again on March 29, meaning they can be called up for the fourth ODI against Pakistan. Australia face 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. The confirmation of dates for the Pakistan series also gives Australian players with lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts a measure of clarity, as players called up for the series will not be immediately released for the IPL. The 2019 season of the IPL is scheduled to begin late March, with Australian players selected for the Pakistan series expected to be unavailable until April 2 at the earliest.

Steve Smith, David Warner bans to end during Pakistan ODI series

Australia's new assistant coach Ricky Ponting believes the inclusion of Steve Smith and David Warner will help the nation shrug off a woeful run of form in one-day cricket and transform them into genuine contenders at the World Cup in England.

Smith and Warner's ball-tampering bans expire on March 29 and though the pair are struggling with elbow injuries, former captain Ponting said the presence of Australia's two top batsmen in England would boost their hopes of back-to-back titles.

"India and England are probably the two standout teams right now but if you add Warner and Smith back into that line-up, I think that team looks as strong as any," Ponting told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday.

"With the inclusion of two of the best one-day players in the world and a lot of experience, all of a sudden the team starts looking a lot better.

"I am not just saying that because I am one of the coaches, I actually said it when I wasn’t around the group.

"Conditions in England will suit our style of play ... I think Australia will be the one of the main contenders for sure."

Ponting has replaced Graeme Hick as batting coach on a short-term appointment for the World Cup which starts at the end of May.

Few in Australia would argue Aaron Finch's side could have a better mentor than the 44-year-old Ponting, who played in three of the nation's five World Cup triumphs and led the team to back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2007.

Australia have since slumped to sixth in the world rankings, losing their last six ODI series in succession in a miserable two-year period since defeating Pakistan at home in Jan. 2017.

More pain might be in store for Finch's squad in India this month where they will take on the world number two without first-choice bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Ponting, who joined local broadcaster Channel 7 as a cricket analyst last year, will not travel with the team in India for the five-match ODI series starting March 2, or for the following warmup series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates due to other commitments.

The UAE tour's dates are yet to be fixed but Smith and Warner's suspensions will rule them out for at least part of the series, leaving them to try to find form in the Indian Premier League which starts on March 23.

Ponting shrugged off Australia's injury worries and the idea of there being risk in rushing Smith and Warner into the team.

"We went to World Cups with Michael Bevan injured, Darren Lehmann suspended, Warney (Shane Warne) went home and Jason Gillespie went home," Ponting said.

"World Cups very rarely run exactly to plan.

"All the planning right now is we will have all those guys in the squad and if we do, it looks as good as any squad on paper."

Australia's new assistant coach Ricky Ponting believes the inclusion of Steve Smith and David Warner will help the nation shrug off a woeful run of form in one-day cricket and transform them into genuine contenders at the World Cup in England.

Australia's new assistant coach Ricky Ponting believes the inclusion of Steve Smith and David Warner will help the nation shrug off a woeful run of form in one-day cricket and transform them into genuine contenders at the World Cup in England. Smith and Warner's ball-tampering bans expire on March 29 and though the pair are struggling with elbow injuries, former captain Ponting said the presence of Australia's two top batsmen in England would boost their hopes of back-to-back titles. "India and England are probably the two standout teams right now but if you add Warner and Smith back into that line-up, I think that team looks as strong as any," Ponting told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday. "With the inclusion of two of the best one-day players in the world and a lot of experience, all of a sudden the team starts looking a lot better. "I am not just saying that because I am one of the coaches, I actually said it when I wasn’t around the group. "Conditions in England will suit our style of play ... I think Australia will be the one of the main contenders for sure." Ponting has replaced Graeme Hick as batting coach on a short-term appointment for the World Cup which starts at the end of May. Few in Australia would argue Aaron Finch's side could have a better mentor than the 44-year-old Ponting, who played in three of the nation's five World Cup triumphs and led the team to back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2007. Australia have since slumped to sixth in the world rankings, losing their last six ODI series in succession in a miserable two-year period since defeating Pakistan at home in Jan. 2017. More pain might be in store for Finch's squad in India this month where they will take on the world number two without first-choice bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Ponting, who joined local broadcaster Channel 7 as a cricket analyst last year, will not travel with the team in India for the five-match ODI series starting March 2, or for the following warmup series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates due to other commitments. The UAE tour's dates are yet to be fixed but Smith and Warner's suspensions will rule them out for at least part of the series, leaving them to try to find form in the Indian Premier League which starts on March 23. Ponting shrugged off Australia's injury worries and the idea of there being risk in rushing Smith and Warner into the team. "We went to World Cups with Michael Bevan injured, Darren Lehmann suspended, Warney (Shane Warne) went home and Jason Gillespie went home," Ponting said. "World Cups very rarely run exactly to plan. "All the planning right now is we will have all those guys in the squad and if we do, it looks as good as any squad on paper."

Australia can win at World Cup with Steve Smith, David Warner: Ricky Ponting

Steve Smith and David Warner will not be rushed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-and-david-warner-to-play-huge-part-in-ashes-series-tim-paine-195067">back into the Australia side as</a> soon as their bans expire next month but coach Justin Langer thinks it would be "crazy" not to include them in the World Cup squad.

The former test captain and vice-captain, Australia's best two batsmen, will become eligible for state and international cricket on March 29 after serving one-year bans for their part in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal.

The prospective return of both has been complicated by elbow injuries with Smith's more serious problem requiring major surgery and likely to sideline him right up to the expiration of his ban.

Coach Langer, who will prepare sides for both the World Cup defence and Ashes tour over the next few months, said the timing of their international returns would depend both on the injuries and also on how much cricket they were able to play.

"They're going to need to get some cricket before coming back into the squad. It's all part of the management. We'll have to wait and see," he said.

"We know it's been a tough time for them, it's been a tough time for Australian cricket, but we know the ... integration has been going for the last nine or ten months ... it's getting closer, isn't it? And that'll be a continued process."

"It's about how much cricket they get to play between now and then. They'll find opportunities. We'll find opportunities."

"We're talking about two great players, we're not talking about two really good players," he added. "Two great players who on paper we'd be crazy not to have them in the team."

With both retained by their franchises for this year's Indian Premier League beginning on March 23 and Australia playing an ODI series against Pakistan in March-April, there will be plenty of opportunities for them to show their form and fitness.

Australia must select their squad for the World Cup on April 23 and the Cricinfo website reported that Smith might even be left out to allow him to play longer-form cricket and ensure he is good to go for the Ashes.

The Australian newspaper said the pair were unlikely to be involved in the series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates but would play in the IPL as preparation for the World Cup.

Steve Smith and David Warner will not be rushed back into the Australia side as soon as their bans expire next month but coach Justin Langer thinks it would be "crazy" not to include them in the World Cup squad.

Steve Smith and David Warner will not be rushed back into the Australia side as soon as their bans expire next month but coach Justin Langer thinks it would be "crazy" not to include them in the World Cup squad. The former test captain and vice-captain, Australia's best two batsmen, will become eligible for state and international cricket on March 29 after serving one-year bans for their part in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal. The prospective return of both has been complicated by elbow injuries with Smith's more serious problem requiring major surgery and likely to sideline him right up to the expiration of his ban. Coach Langer, who will prepare sides for both the World Cup defence and Ashes tour over the next few months, said the timing of their international returns would depend both on the injuries and also on how much cricket they were able to play. "They're going to need to get some cricket before coming back into the squad. It's all part of the management. We'll have to wait and see," he said. "We know it's been a tough time for them, it's been a tough time for Australian cricket, but we know the ... integration has been going for the last nine or ten months ... it's getting closer, isn't it? And that'll be a continued process." "It's about how much cricket they get to play between now and then. They'll find opportunities. We'll find opportunities." "We're talking about two great players, we're not talking about two really good players," he added. "Two great players who on paper we'd be crazy not to have them in the team." With both retained by their franchises for this year's Indian Premier League beginning on March 23 and Australia playing an ODI series against Pakistan in March-April, there will be plenty of opportunities for them to show their form and fitness. Australia must select their squad for the World Cup on April 23 and the Cricinfo website reported that Smith might even be left out to allow him to play longer-form cricket and ensure he is good to go for the Ashes. The Australian newspaper said the pair were unlikely to be involved in the series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates but would play in the IPL as preparation for the World Cup.

Crazy not to include Steve Smith, David Warner, says Langer with eye on World Cup

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place."&nbsp;

After a torrid 12 months marred by the ball-tampering row and poor form without their top stars, Australia ended their summer on a high by emphatically winning two Tests against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

They claimed the first in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs and the second in Canberra by 366 runs, following a tough home series defeat to top-ranked India.&nbsp;

Smith and Warner's bans for their role in trying to alter the ball in South Africa expire late next month and they are widely expected to quickly return to the national set-up.&nbsp;

"I think everyone to a degree has to earn their stripes. I think those two have got plenty of runs in the bank if you like," Paine said when asked if they could slot straight back in.&nbsp;

"Look, I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series. That's how I see how important they are to this team.&nbsp;

"We know how good they are and hopefully once their bans are up they'll be welcomed back and they will win Test matches like they did before."&nbsp;

Without the experienced pair, Australia struggled. But at least they broke a century drought stretching back to October in Canberra, with Joe Burns, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson and Usman Khawaja all cashing in.&nbsp;

Their knocks put them in prime position for the Ashes against an England side reeling from an embarrassing capitulation in the West Indies.&nbsp;

Following a 381-run defeat by the hosts in the first Test in Barbados last month, England suffered a 10-wicket thrashing in Antigua on Saturday to lose the three-match series 2-0. 
 
Won back respect 

With the imminent return of Warner and Smith, there are now question marks over Marcus Harris and number four Marnus Labuschagne. 
Harris struggled in Canberra on a batting-friendly wicket as fellow opener Burns hit 180, while Labuschagne managed just six and four in his two innings.&nbsp;

Khawaja's snapping of a run drought is widely seen as being enough for him to remain at first drop, with Head's 161 and 59 not out sealing his place at number five.&nbsp;

Paine said he has a "fair idea" of what the Ashes team might look like.&nbsp;

"What we have seen over this summer is we are starting to build a squad with plenty of depth. There's probably anywhere between 16 and 25 players we think are now in the mix, which is a really good place to be," he added.&nbsp;

For Paine, heading to England, and as skipper, is something that has been on his mind for months.&nbsp;

"I've been dreaming about it actually," he said.&nbsp;

"I'm happy now that we've got this (Sri Lanka series) out of the way and I can put everything into it because every Australian cricketer can't wait to go and play an Ashes series, particularly in England."&nbsp;

The ball-tampering scandal, which led to year-long bans for Smith and Warner and nine months in exile for Cameron Bancroft, led to Australia changing its cricketing culture and toning down its aggressive sledging.

Paine said he was "really proud of the way we have gone about it".&nbsp;

"We spoke at the start of the summer that our main priority was to win back the respect of our Australian public and cricket fans. Sitting here now, I think we've gone a long way to doing that," he said.

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place.

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place." After a torrid 12 months marred by the ball-tampering row and poor form without their top stars, Australia ended their summer on a high by emphatically winning two Tests against Sri Lanka. They claimed the first in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs and the second in Canberra by 366 runs, following a tough home series defeat to top-ranked India. Smith and Warner's bans for their role in trying to alter the ball in South Africa expire late next month and they are widely expected to quickly return to the national set-up. "I think everyone to a degree has to earn their stripes. I think those two have got plenty of runs in the bank if you like," Paine said when asked if they could slot straight back in. "Look, I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series. That's how I see how important they are to this team. "We know how good they are and hopefully once their bans are up they'll be welcomed back and they will win Test matches like they did before." Without the experienced pair, Australia struggled. But at least they broke a century drought stretching back to October in Canberra, with Joe Burns, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson and Usman Khawaja all cashing in. Their knocks put them in prime position for the Ashes against an England side reeling from an embarrassing capitulation in the West Indies. Following a 381-run defeat by the hosts in the first Test in Barbados last month, England suffered a 10-wicket thrashing in Antigua on Saturday to lose the three-match series 2-0. Won back respect With the imminent return of Warner and Smith, there are now question marks over Marcus Harris and number four Marnus Labuschagne. Harris struggled in Canberra on a batting-friendly wicket as fellow opener Burns hit 180, while Labuschagne managed just six and four in his two innings. Khawaja's snapping of a run drought is widely seen as being enough for him to remain at first drop, with Head's 161 and 59 not out sealing his place at number five. Paine said he has a "fair idea" of what the Ashes team might look like. "What we have seen over this summer is we are starting to build a squad with plenty of depth. There's probably anywhere between 16 and 25 players we think are now in the mix, which is a really good place to be," he added. For Paine, heading to England, and as skipper, is something that has been on his mind for months. "I've been dreaming about it actually," he said. "I'm happy now that we've got this (Sri Lanka series) out of the way and I can put everything into it because every Australian cricketer can't wait to go and play an Ashes series, particularly in England." The ball-tampering scandal, which led to year-long bans for Smith and Warner and nine months in exile for Cameron Bancroft, led to Australia changing its cricketing culture and toning down its aggressive sledging. Paine said he was "really proud of the way we have gone about it". "We spoke at the start of the summer that our main priority was to win back the respect of our Australian public and cricket fans. Sitting here now, I think we've gone a long way to doing that," he said.

Steve Smith and David Warner to play 'huge' part in Ashes series: Tim Paine

Former Australia captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Steve+Smith">Steve Smith</a> will serve out the remainder of his 12-month ban from international and state cricket recuperating from surgery on his injured elbow, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Saturday.

The 29-year-old, banned with his vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft for his part in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, returned from the Bangladesh Premier League on Saturday for scans on the injured joint.

A CA spokesman said Smith would require an operation on Tuesday to repair a ligament in his right elbow and would be in a brace for six weeks after that with a period of rehabilitation to follow.

That will take him up to the end of his ban on March 28 after which Australia were hoping to bring him back into the one-day international and test teams ahead of the limited overs World Cup and Ashes series.

Bancroft's nine-month ban expired at the end of December while Smith and Warner, who was also suspended for a year, have kept active by playing club cricket in Sydney and Twenty20 tournaments around the world.

Australia have struggled without their two best batsmen, losing a test series to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and another to India around the turn of the year -- a first home reverse against an Asian side.

The reigning champions will announce their squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England in Wales towards the end of April. The Ashes series follows in August and September.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith will serve out the remainder of his 12-month ban from international and state cricket recuperating from surgery on his injured elbow, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Saturday.

Former Australia captain Steve Smith will serve out the remainder of his 12-month ban from international and state cricket recuperating from surgery on his injured elbow, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Saturday. The 29-year-old, banned with his vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft for his part in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, returned from the Bangladesh Premier League on Saturday for scans on the injured joint. A CA spokesman said Smith would require an operation on Tuesday to repair a ligament in his right elbow and would be in a brace for six weeks after that with a period of rehabilitation to follow. That will take him up to the end of his ban on March 28 after which Australia were hoping to bring him back into the one-day international and test teams ahead of the limited overs World Cup and Ashes series. Bancroft's nine-month ban expired at the end of December while Smith and Warner, who was also suspended for a year, have kept active by playing club cricket in Sydney and Twenty20 tournaments around the world. Australia have struggled without their two best batsmen, losing a test series to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and another to India around the turn of the year -- a first home reverse against an Asian side. The reigning champions will announce their squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England in Wales towards the end of April. The Ashes series follows in August and September.

Australia's Steve Smith to have surgery on elbow injury

Australia are&nbsp;'kidding themselves' if they think the return of Steve Smith and David Warner is the answer to all their problems and a serious overhaul is needed if they are to win the Ashes this year, former England captain Michael Vaughan has said.

Australia lost their first test series at home to India on Monday, a draw in Sydney giving Virat Kohli's side a 2-1 victory, and the hosts failed to muster a single century over the four matches.

Former captain Smith and his vice-captain Warner are serving 12-month bans for their role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year and are not available for selection until the end of March.

While Australia have undoubtedly struggled in the pair's absence, Vaughan said the team's problems ran much deeper and the Ashes series in England would highlight their deficiencies unless big changes were made.

"I cannot see Australia beating England this summer unless they assess themselves brutally," Vaughan wrote in his column for London's Telegraph newspaper.

"Batting techniques have to be better and they need to be more consistent with the ball.

"Every facet of their test team has to improve. They are kidding themselves if they think everything will be rosy when Smith and Warner come back."

Australia have passed 300 runs just three times in 14 innings since Warner and Smith were banned last March, with a highest score of 362 for eight, and Vaughan said the team were not producing enough runs to make them competitive.

"On flat, good batting pitches, Australia really struggled as it is on those tracks that weaknesses are highlighted," Vaughan said of their performances during the India series.

"A batting unit's defences are tested because it is necessary to bat for long periods. Australia are unable to play long innings.

"They look like a team who can score 250-300, and that is good enough on sporting pitches, but not when it is flat."

Australia's trio of pace bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were also criticised by Vaughan, who said they did not offer enough variety or consistency to exploit pitch conditions in England.

The Australians had just one lbw dismissal in the entire India series, he said, indicating there were not enough deliveries directed at the stumps.

"The bowling is not as good as they think," wrote Vaughan. "To beat England in England, they have to bowl more intelligently.

"It is not often that quick bowlers come to England and blast batsmen out. It may happen in one test but not over the course of a five-match series.

"You need consistent line and length, and skilful manipulation of the conditions.

"At the moment, I do not see Australia having those attributes."

Australia are 'kidding themselves' if they think the return of Steve Smith and David Warner is the answer to all their problems and a serious overhaul is needed if they are to win the Ashes this year, former England captain Michael Vaughan has said.

Australia are 'kidding themselves' if they think the return of Steve Smith and David Warner is the answer to all their problems and a serious overhaul is needed if they are to win the Ashes this year, former England captain Michael Vaughan has said. Australia lost their first test series at home to India on Monday, a draw in Sydney giving Virat Kohli's side a 2-1 victory, and the hosts failed to muster a single century over the four matches. Former captain Smith and his vice-captain Warner are serving 12-month bans for their role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year and are not available for selection until the end of March. While Australia have undoubtedly struggled in the pair's absence, Vaughan said the team's problems ran much deeper and the Ashes series in England would highlight their deficiencies unless big changes were made. "I cannot see Australia beating England this summer unless they assess themselves brutally," Vaughan wrote in his column for London's Telegraph newspaper. "Batting techniques have to be better and they need to be more consistent with the ball. "Every facet of their test team has to improve. They are kidding themselves if they think everything will be rosy when Smith and Warner come back." Australia have passed 300 runs just three times in 14 innings since Warner and Smith were banned last March, with a highest score of 362 for eight, and Vaughan said the team were not producing enough runs to make them competitive. "On flat, good batting pitches, Australia really struggled as it is on those tracks that weaknesses are highlighted," Vaughan said of their performances during the India series. "A batting unit's defences are tested because it is necessary to bat for long periods. Australia are unable to play long innings. "They look like a team who can score 250-300, and that is good enough on sporting pitches, but not when it is flat." Australia's trio of pace bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were also criticised by Vaughan, who said they did not offer enough variety or consistency to exploit pitch conditions in England. The Australians had just one lbw dismissal in the entire India series, he said, indicating there were not enough deliveries directed at the stumps. "The bowling is not as good as they think," wrote Vaughan. "To beat England in England, they have to bowl more intelligently. "It is not often that quick bowlers come to England and blast batsmen out. It may happen in one test but not over the course of a five-match series. "You need consistent line and length, and skilful manipulation of the conditions. "At the moment, I do not see Australia having those attributes."

Smith, Warner return no cure-all for Australia, says former captain Vaughan

Former England captain Michael Vaughan feels Australia, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/historic-india-win-maiden-test-series-in-australia-188678">beaten for the first time in a home Test series against India</a>, are "kidding themselves if they think everything will be rosy when Steve Smith and David Warner come back".&nbsp;

In his column for 'The Daily Telegraph' following India's maiden Test series triumph Down Under, Vaughan wrote that Australia's issues run far deeper than the absence of suspended Smith and Warner.&nbsp;

"If you think Australia's problems will be solved the moment Steve Smith and David Warner are available for selection again then you are wrong... Batting, bowling, selection and tactics were poor against India, and Australia have to admit they were just not good enough," wrote Vaughan.&nbsp;

"Clearly, if you take the two best players out of any team they will struggle. But losing Smith and Warner is an easy excuse to hide behind.&nbsp;

India were beaten 4-1 in English conditions last summer, although the matches were closer than the final score suggests, but would have beaten Australia 3-1 had it not rained in Sydney for the last two days."&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-indias-fault-that-steve-smith-and-david-warner-were-not-picked-sunil-gavaskar-slams-critics-188822">Not India's fault that Steve Smith and David Warner were not picked: Sunil Gavaskar slams critics</a>

Considering the current scenario, Vaughan can't see Australia beating England in the away Ashes to be held after the 2019 World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"...Unless they assess themselves brutally. Batting techniques have to be better and they need to be more consistent with the ball. Every facet of their Test team has to improve. They are kidding themselves if they think everything will be rosy when Smith and Warner come back.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"On flat, good batting pitches, Australia really struggled as it is on those tracks that weaknesses are highlighted. A batting unit's defences are tested because it is necessary to bat for long periods. They look like a team who can score 250-300, and that is good enough on sporting pitches, but not when it is flat."&nbsp;

Improvement is also needed in the bowling department, reckoned Vaughan.&nbsp;

"The bowling is not as good as they think. They are very good when conditions are in their favour or well ahead in the game. But there is room for them to become a much more skilful and consistent bowling attack.&nbsp;

"For the Ashes this summer, Australia have to look at breaking up Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. They need a more skilful bowler, such as a Peter Siddle or Trent Copeland. They need someone who can match England's consistency and skill with the Duke ball and bowl the fuller length," he said.&nbsp;

Vaughan said the support staff must be blamed for the below-par bowling performance.&nbsp;

"A ridiculously low percentage of balls bowled by Australia against India were going on to hit the stumps. They took only one wicket lbw in the whole series.&nbsp;

"The bowlers and the coaching staff have to take the blame for that and ask how they can improve. To beat England in England, they have to bowl more intelligently," he added.&nbsp;

Former England captain Michael Vaughan feels Australia, beaten for the first time in a home Test series against India, are "kidding themselves if they think everything will be rosy when Steve Smith and David Warner come back".

Former England captain Michael Vaughan feels Australia, beaten for the first time in a home Test series against India, are "kidding themselves if they think everything will be rosy when Steve Smith and David Warner come back". In his column for 'The Daily Telegraph' following India's maiden Test series triumph Down Under, Vaughan wrote that Australia's issues run far deeper than the absence of suspended Smith and Warner. "If you think Australia's problems will be solved the moment Steve Smith and David Warner are available for selection again then you are wrong... Batting, bowling, selection and tactics were poor against India, and Australia have to admit they were just not good enough," wrote Vaughan. "Clearly, if you take the two best players out of any team they will struggle. But losing Smith and Warner is an easy excuse to hide behind. India were beaten 4-1 in English conditions last summer, although the matches were closer than the final score suggests, but would have beaten Australia 3-1 had it not rained in Sydney for the last two days." Also Read: Not India's fault that Steve Smith and David Warner were not picked: Sunil Gavaskar slams critics Considering the current scenario, Vaughan can't see Australia beating England in the away Ashes to be held after the 2019 World Cup. "...Unless they assess themselves brutally. Batting techniques have to be better and they need to be more consistent with the ball. Every facet of their Test team has to improve. They are kidding themselves if they think everything will be rosy when Smith and Warner come back. "On flat, good batting pitches, Australia really struggled as it is on those tracks that weaknesses are highlighted. A batting unit's defences are tested because it is necessary to bat for long periods. They look like a team who can score 250-300, and that is good enough on sporting pitches, but not when it is flat." Improvement is also needed in the bowling department, reckoned Vaughan. "The bowling is not as good as they think. They are very good when conditions are in their favour or well ahead in the game. But there is room for them to become a much more skilful and consistent bowling attack. "For the Ashes this summer, Australia have to look at breaking up Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. They need a more skilful bowler, such as a Peter Siddle or Trent Copeland. They need someone who can match England's consistency and skill with the Duke ball and bowl the fuller length," he said. Vaughan said the support staff must be blamed for the below-par bowling performance. "A ridiculously low percentage of balls bowled by Australia against India were going on to hit the stumps. They took only one wicket lbw in the whole series. "The bowlers and the coaching staff have to take the blame for that and ask how they can improve. To beat England in England, they have to bowl more intelligently," he added.

Aussies kidding themselves if they think all will be rosy when Steve Smith, David Warner return: Michael Vaughan

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