"It's like two brothers are coming home" – Smith and Warner return to the Australian locker room



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Steve Smith, former captain, and inaugural drummer David Warner returned to the Australian locker room for the first time since they were imposed a one – year ban on their role in the sport. balloon falsification incident of 2018.

The duo, who are nearing the end of their respective bans, was warmly welcomed again by the match as Australia had free time in the United Arab Emirates, where they will face Pakistan in an international five-game series. 'a day. – their last mission one day before the ICC 2019 Men's Cricket World Cup.

It is understood that the meeting was an opportunity for the players to express their grievances with the duo and also served as an orientation for the drummers finding a new Australian culture.

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.

Justin Langer

"It was great," Warner said. "It's like we're not really leaving." The boys accepted very well that we were entering and with open arms. "

"[There were] lots of big cuddles and cuddles. It's great. It's good to see their spirit after the victory of a big series in India, and I'm obviously looking forward to seeing them play against Pakistan here, and I hope they'll also win. this series. "

Australia begins to take good grades before the World Cup. After starting the year with defeats in the Test and ODI series against India at home, Australia replied on the return circuit, coming back from 0 to 2 to win the five rounds. ODI matches against India 3-2. This is the first defeat of the Indian home series since 2015, when they lost the five-game series against South Africa in the same way.

More importantly for Australia, it was their first win of the series since January 2017, marking an important moment in the terms of new captain Aaron Finch and head coach Justin Langer.

"I guess it just goes through the values ​​that are instilled in the team right now and makes sure we're on the right track looking forward to what awaits us – a huge World Cup and a series ashes in England, "Smith said.

"It's an exciting time for the team and just make sure everyone is on the right track and in the same direction."

Australia has won its first ODI series since January 2017, after an imminent victory against India

Australia has won its first ODI series since January 2017, after an imminent victory against India

Warner further explained the meeting, which aimed to understand the role that the two senior cricketers will play in the upcoming team. "[It was about] making sure we are aligned with the values ​​of the team to move forward, "he said.

"Obviously, after 12 months of absence, there has been a big change, which is great, it is just a matter of accepting and playing what our role in it is. team should evolve. "

Langer warmly welcomed the duo on his return and compared their return to a family comeback. "It's great to find them in the team," said the coach. "It's like two brothers coming home. They were very well received. We had a good night together last night and had great meetings today, so it's very positive.

Justin Langer tried to promote a new culture in the Australian locker room

Justin Langer tried to promote a new culture in the Australian locker room

"We defined values, probably nine or ten months ago, with the team, and then [at the meetings]we have just examined how we stick to these values ​​and how we can use our values ​​and behaviors to continue to advance the team on the ground.

"We talked about making Australians proud, we talked about cricketers and great people, so it's a great opportunity to move from the Indian series to the Pakistani series, and I think it was a really good exercise. useful.

I am able to play all the plans, I have recovered my power. So, I'm really good.

Smith on his recovery from an elbow operation

"As a coach, two players with as many points and experience as getting back into a team that plays well, it's very exciting."

Smith and Warner will now return to the national team, starting with the Indian Premier League. Smith felt that his recovery at the elbow was going well and that he would be ready for the tournament.

"I like playing in India," he said. "The IPL is a fantastic tournament and the elbow is going really well, I've been batting hard for two weeks and [am] able to play every shot, I regained my power. So, I'm really good, and I'm just excited to play again. "

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