'Like we never left': Smith and Warner return to Aussie fold
Steve Smith and David Warner have met with the Australian cricket squad in Dubai, with their bans for ball-tampering ending on March 29.
The Aussies are in Dubai preparing for a one-day series against Pakistan, and were joined by Smith and Warner on Sunday in the first big step in their re-integration.
Australia’s on-field and off-field plans for the World Cup formed the crux of a team meeting with Smith and Warner.
According to reports, players had the chance to ask Smith and Warner questions during their first face-to-face since the sandpaper scandal.
“It’s been awesome,” Warner told cricket.com.au.
“It’s like we didn’t really leave, the boys were very accepting of us coming in and with open arms.
“(There were) a lot of big hugs and cuddles. It’s been great.
“It’s good to see the spirit they’re in after a great series win in India and I am obviously looking forward to watching them play against Pakistan here and hopefully they win that series as well.”
Smith said he and Warner were brought up to speed on a number of cultural changes coach Justin Langer had implemented.
“I guess it’s just been going through the values that are instilled in the team at the moment and making sure we are on the right path looking forward to what’s coming up; a huge World Cup and an Ashes series in England,” Smith said.
“It’s pretty exciting times ahead for the team and just making sure everyone’s on the right path and heading in the same direction.”
‘Really good to see them’
It marked the first time the disgraced duo, now serving the final fortnight of their year-long bans, have formally been part of the team environment since the Cape Town cheating scandal.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to get us all together, to talk about some of our plans for the World Cup,” coach Justin Langer said previously.
“Keep reiterating the messages about our gameplans on the field, keep reiterating the messages about what’s important for us as a group off the field.
“Because they go hand in hand.
“It’s going to be really good to see them. We’re all looking forward to catching up.”