Australia ‘crazy’ not to include Steve Smith and David Warner in World Cup squad
Former Test captain and vice-captain return from suspension next month
Australia head coach Justin Langer says it would be “crazy” not to include Steve Smith and David Warner in the squad for this year’s Cricket World Cup.
Smith and Warner, the former Test captain and vice-captain respectively, are currently serving one-year bans for their part in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last March.
But with the duo’s suspension set to expire on 29 March they will again be eligible for domestic and international cricket.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The World Cup starts in England in May and before that the pair are set to play in the Indian Premier League. Australia will also play a one-day international series against Pakistan.
Australia select their World Cup squad on 23 April and Langer says that Smith and Warner will need to find opportunities to earn their place.
Quoted by The Daily Telegraph, Langer said: “They’re going to need to get some cricket before coming back into the squad. It’s all part of the management. We’ll have to wait and see.
“It’s about how much cricket they get to play between now and then. They’ll find opportunities. We’ll find opportunities.
“We’re talking about two great players, we’re not talking about two really good players. Two great players who on paper we’d be crazy not to have them in the team.”
This summer the Australian Test team will also be in England aiming to defend the Ashes.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What's wrong with Pakistan's cricket team?
Under the Radar Dramatic downfall of previous powerhouse blamed on poor management and appointments of regime favourites at governing body PCB
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cricket is swiftly becoming America's new obsession
In the Spotlight Team USA recently shocked the world by beating Pakistan in the Men's World Cup
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Drunken hooligans': America's cricket fears
Why Everyone's Talking About South Asian community 'energised' by sport's growing popularity in US but some locals oppose new stadiums
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Ashes: can England mount a glorious comeback?
feature ‘Herculean’ task follows ugly scenes at controversial second test
By The Week Staff Published
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Ashes 2021-22: Test squads, predictions, UK start times, TV coverage
feature Everything you need to know about the Australia vs. England cricket series
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Handball: swapping bikini bottoms for tight pants
Speed Read Women competitors will be required to ‘wear short tight pants with a close fit’
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Ashes 2021-2022: series set for go ahead as Joe Root commits to tour
feature England and Australia hold talks over entry requirements and quarantine concerns
By The Week Staff Published