Banned Warner and Smith help AUS prepare for India challenge

The Australian team is seeking help from Steve Smith and David Warner to prepare for the Test series against India. The duo is especially helping Aussie bowlers to formulate strategy against Virat Kohli and other Indian batsmen.

Warner spotted at Sydney with Australian team 

Ahead of the third T20I against India at Sydney on 25th November which Australia eventually lost, Australia’s opening batsman David Warner was seen batting in the nets. Pace bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins who form the core of Australia’s pace bowling attack for the Test series bowled to him while the team coach Justin Langer inspected the proceedings by standing at the umpire’s position.

According to a report by an Australian newspaper, Warner also spent some time with the Australian team in the dressing room before the match commenced.

Starc highlights benefits of bowling to Smith in nets

Mitchell Starc who was drafted in the T20I team at the last moment to replace injured Billy Stanlake explained that there is talking to bowling coaches and then there is talking to the guys you are bowling to.

He feels that it is a great opportunity to have Steve Smith face them in their preparation leading up to the Tests.

He further stated that it will be great to bowl to Smith in the nets. The Aussie bowler noted that Smith is one of the best in the world, and to even get his thoughts on how they are tracking will always be good for the bowlers.

Why are Smith and Warner not playing against India?

Also read: Twitter trolls Rishabh Pant mercilessly once again, here’s why. 

Both Warner and Smith are currently facing a one year ban for their involvement in ball tampering episode which happened during the Test series against South Africa.

Recently, Australian Cricketers’ Association requested Cricket Australia to reduce the ban on these players but Cricket Australia has remained firm on their decision.