Surrey interested in Steven Smith and David Warner
As per reports, tainted Australian duo David Warner and Steve Smith could be back in action soon. One of them could be handed an English county contract by Surrey. Both Warner and Smith are currently serving a ban of 1 year from cricket due to their involvement in the ball tampering saga. The incident occurred during Australia's tour of South Africa.
English county side keen to offer the Aussies a contract
The Sydney Morning Herald claims that Surrey coach Michael Di Venuto is keen on signing either David Warner or Steve Smith for a stint in English County Cricket. Michael Di Venuto is familiar with both these cricketers since he has spent 3 years as the Australian batting coach. In 2016 he decide to join Surrey.
Trio cannot play cricket in Australia
Since Cricket Australia has imposed the ban on the trio, Cameron Bancroft saw his county contract with Somerset cancelled. David Warner and Steve Smith also lost their IPL contracts with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals as the BCCI decided to comply with the ban. As per the ban, the trio will be allowed to play only grade cricket in Australia.
Ban doesn't restrict them from playing overseas
Cricket Australia's ban, however, does not restrict the trio from playing overseas but it would require the approval of the concerned board. In this case, if the ECB approves Michael Di Venuto's request of signing either of the players for Surrey, we could see them in action much sooner than what was earlier estimated.
English county permits one overseas player
English county lets the team have only a single overseas player. One of Surrey's overseas signings was Mitch March, who has been ruled out due to an injury. South African opener Dean Elgar has been signed for the month of April and May. Indian captain Virat Kohli will be the overseas player for the month of June ahead of India's tour of England.
County cricket could come as some respite
"It is probably important that they play a bit of cricket at some stage...the ECB will have to allow it to start with, then we'd be mad not to look at some of the world's best players potentially playing' " Di Venuto concluded.
