Ban on Smith, Warner might be lifted soon, here's why!
Steve Smith and David Warner could breathe easy soon with Cricket Australia considering to lift the one-year ban, handed to them earlier this year, for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. The move comes after the players' union demanded the same. Cricket Australia's CEO Kevin Roberts confirmed that the governing body is considering this move. Notably, Australia have been going through a tumultuous time.
Why this sudden change of heart?
CA has come under immense pressure from the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) as it has called for the ban to end. This comes after the release of the Longstaff review, which put some of the blame for the ball-tampering scandal on Cricket Australia. "The ACA submission around the players' sanctions was received by the board a few days ago," Roberts confirmed on Wednesday.
Board to respect the submission
Roberts also said the following, "It was addressed to the board rather than to me or all management. So not for me to comment on a board matter other than to say that the board will be respecting that submission and giving it due consideration."
The Aussies were handed a ban in March
Both the former Australian captain Smith and vice-captain Warner are serving a 12-month ban imposed upon them by Cricket Australia. The ban was awarded for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which happened during the Test series in South Africa, earlier this year, in March. They were barred from playing domestic Sheffield Shield and the Big Bash Twenty20 competition besides international cricket.
Aussies in a position of bother
Australian cricket is currently in a bad shape. The team has lost 17 out of the last 19 ODI matches. Aussies also faltered against Pakistan in Tests and T20Is in UAE. Off the field, the review has led to the ouster of several CA members.
Trio could be added bonus for Aussies against India
It remains to be seen how soon Smith, Warner and Bancroft get their ban lifted. Australia welcome India for four Test matches in December and with the trio expected to be available, they could be drafted into the squad. Smith was a menace last time India toured Australia as he smashed 769 runs that included 4 tons. Warner will also relish the opportunity.
Aussies will get much needed boost ahead of World Cup
Having Warner and Smith could also boost Aussies in ODIs. The duo could get much needed game time ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019 that starts within 7 months. This is monumental for Australia, as they have been dependent on the duo for runs. The question is will we see Smith returning as skipper? He was banned from captaincy for 2 years.
