Watson urges Cricket Australia to let Smith, Warner play BBL
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has come out in support of tainted duo Smith and Warner. He has urged Cricket Australia to let them play in the Big Bash. Watson believes they should be allowed to compete in the tournament especially since they are free to participate in other T20 leagues. Both Smith and Warner are currently playing in the Global T20 Canada.
Shane Watson throws his support behind Warner and Smith
"I understand the rulings that happened at Cricket Australia...But for them to have the opportunity to go and promote other tournaments, I'd prefer if they're going to do that and have access to do that they have access to promote the Big Bash." Watson said.
Sanctions don't stop Warner and Smith from playing club cricket
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. The ban keeps them out of international cricket in Australia but doesn't stop them from playing in T20 leagues.
Watson believes they are integral to Australian cricket
"At the moment we've got a few world-class players and we'll continue to discover those but they don't just fall out of trees. That's why Steve and Dave are such an integral part to Australian cricket," Watson said.
Watson claims punishment imposed is too extreme
Shane Watson, who played a key role in CSK's winning campaign this IPL season, believes that the ban imposed on them was too harsh. He thinks Smith and Warner paid an extreme penalty for their transgression. He is unhappy that Smith and Warner can play abroad in overseas leagues, whereas, they are denied a chance to play in their own country.
Smith, Warner are currently in action in Global T20 Canada
Steven Smith and David Warner returned to competitive cricket, recently, as they played their first game in the Global T20 Canada. Smith scored a brilliant half-century to guide his side Toronto to a six-wicket victory over Chris Gayle's Vancouver Knights in Thursday's tournament opener. David Warner is a part of Winnipeg Hawks and was dismissed for 1 on his debut.
