I know Smith, Warner and Bancroft will do the right thing and will be welcomed back in the team, says Tim Paine
Australian skipper Tim Paine has stated that he believes the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft would return with their new brand of cricket and would also be welcomed in the team. He also felt that comments made on Warner's personality were âoff the markâ and âreally unfairâ.
Tim Paine on Thursday denied the popular belief that David Warner was widely disliked within the team and insisted that he would be welcomed back after he has served his ban. Former vice-captain, David Warner is serving a ban of 12 months for his part in the ball tampering scandal in the third Test in South Africa and was widely considered as the mastermind of the whole sandpaper gate, which also saw former captain Steve Smith and youngster Cameron Bancroft being suspended.
News Corp cricket writer Robert Craddock questioned Justin Langer, the newly appointed coach of Australia, on how he would the have cultural shift and also about Warner, who is not much acclaimed for his good behavior, together. "If (Langer) wants
This question was raised after Langer had stated that he would welcome back the suspended players if they met the standards. Paine came in support of Warner stating that the comments were "off the mark" and "really unfair".
"I certainly like Craddock's writing and when he's on TV I'm a fan of his. But I thought he was a little bit off the mark there and really unfair on David Warner as a person and as a cricketer,"Â Paine told reporters in Hobart in his first press conference since officially being made ODI and Test skipper.
He also clarified that Warnerâs competitiveness, which might sometimes have rubbed onto the oppositions in a wrong way, was well received by the team who appreciated Warnerâs personality. Â
"Within our team, he's someone with that energy and that competitiveness who we love playing with. There's a side of David that people don't know which is really loyal, really caring and a good team man to have around," said Paine.
Paine also revealed that he has been in touch with the three suspended players and agreeing with his coach said that the banned trio would be welcomed back into the team if they met the behavioral standards. He further insisted that he knows the trio would do the right thing and score enough runs to make their claim for a spot in the team. Â
"All three are certainly going to be welcomed back into our team if they're prepared to toe the line with our new brand of cricket, which I know they will," he said. "I know they'll all do the right thing and score enough runs to be back
