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Smith, Warner’s first official match after ball-tampering controversy

Playing in IPL has helped both batsmen, says captain Finch

By Varun Ravikumar Issue Date: June 01, 2019 Updated: June 01, 2019 18:45 IST
Australia's David Warner and Steve Smith during the national anthems before the start of the match against Afghanistan during the ICC World Cup 2019 at the Bristol County Ground | Reuters

Australia play Afghanistan today, which marks the return of Smith and Warner who play their first official match since returning from their Newlands ban. The ball-tampering scandal led to the pair being banned for 12 months.

They have returned stronger, it seems. Smith carried his team to victory in the warm-up match against title favourites England with a classy 116 in just 102 balls. Warner, who had been struggling with a sore glute, has passed the fitness test. He will open the batting along with captain Aaron Finch.

ALSO READ: Australia admit ball tampering in third test against South Africa

Smith has scored 329 runs in just five innings during Australia’s warm-up matches against New Zealand, West Indies and England. He is a versatile player who is considered to be the next Bradman courtesy his high batting average.

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David Warner emerged as the highest run scorer this IPL with 692 runs. With an average of 69.2 and strike rate of 143.86, he is expected to come back stronger, playing for his country.

Finch feels playing in the IPL has helped both the batsmen adapt to the game easily. “I think when you are a world-class player, you adapt again really quickly and you get up to speed. Having them play in the IPL was really important. That’s a higher standard of cricket and it just gets you back up to as close to international competition as you can.”

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After a stuttering start in the last World Cup, it was the match against Afghanistan that gave them their first comfortable win—a margin of 275 runs. It was David Warner’s 178 and Steve Smith’s 95 that sealed the victory that day. And four years later, their campaign kicks off by playing against the same team.

The underdogs have come a long way and playing the Afghan spinners—especially Rashid Khan—will be a test on where the team stands in playing quality spin. The Aussies have been in fine form, and with the return of Smith and Warner, the five-time world champions might as well be on their way to their sixth title.

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