"It's almost like we never left": Smith and Warner form Australian group in UAE | sport

Steve Smith and David Warner met with their Australian teammates in the UAE to prepare for their return to international cricket when their ban expires at the end of the month.

The former captain and vice captain of the selection team was suspended for a role in the sabotage scandal in South Africa last March and was no longer allowed to play cricket from high level since.

While Australia struggled to do without its two best drummers, questions were raised about how easily they would re-join the team for the World Cup and Ashes World Tour.

Head coach Justin Langer did not seem to have such scruples after meeting with the two men before the one-day series against Pakistan, which begins Friday in Sharjah.

"They were very well received," said Langer. "They went through a very difficult time, a suspension of 12 months. It's great to find them in the team. "They are enthusiastic and … as a coach when you have two guys with as many points and experience as getting back into a team that plays well, it's very exciting."

While the bans come to an end in time for the pair to play in the last two matches of the Pakistani series, neither was included in the squad because they are both recovering from the recent elbow surgery.

Langer said the duo had been briefed on the team's new philosophy set up after independent studies had identified a "win-and-donate" mentality in Australian cricket.

"We have just seen how we stick to these values ​​and how we can use our values ​​and behaviors to keep the team moving on and off the field," added Langer.

Both players said that they felt comfortable to be back in the team environment. "It's almost like we've never gone," Smith said. "It was a pleasure to be part of the group. They were very hospitable. "

Smith added that he was recovering well from his elbow surgery and should be available for the Twenty20 Indian Premier League competition, which will begin next week.

"I'm really excited to play again," said Smith, who has not confirmed when he could return for the Rajasthan Royals. "The elbow has followed very well. I have beaten for two weeks and I am able to play every shot. I've regained my power and I'm just excited to be able to play again. "