Steve Smith, David Warner might play for Surrey after June this year

04/18/2018

According to reports, at least one of the Australian cricket's banned duo of Steve Smith and David Warner could be signed by Surrey later this year. Coach Michael Di Venuto has revealed that if ECB allows and the players are in the right frame of mind, the county would love to have their services.

Following the infamous ball-tampering saga last month, Australia’s Steve Smith and David Warner have been banned by Cricket Australia (CA) for one year while Cameron Bancroft remains suspended for a period of 9 months. It has not only barred the three from playing international cricket but has also restricted them from playing domestic cricket in Australia as well. They would only play grade cricket in Australia.

However, the ban didn’t mean they could not participate in leagues or competitions in different countries and it was left to the respective boards to decide whether to allow these players in their respective competition. Consequently, Cameron Bancroft’s County contract with Somerset was cancelled as soon as the ban was announced, while Steve Smith and David Warner were banned from their respective IPL teams.

As per the current situation, the trio of Bancroft, Smith and Warner would not be able to play for Australia before March next year, which has left them with very little time to prepare for the World Cup. However, with both Smith and Warner being integral members of the ODI squad, Australia would want them to stay sharp for the ICC event and Surrey has been eyeing that opportunity.

According to a report in Sydney Morning Herald, Surrey coach Michael Di Venuto has shown interest in signing at least one of the two Australian stars.

“From an Australian perspective, it is probably important that they play a bit of cricket at some stage. I don't know if they are allowed to play in this competition,” said Michael Di Venuto, quoted CricketNext.

Mitchell Marsh was one of Surrey’s foreign (or overseas) signing this year, but with the Western Australian all-rounder preparing for an ankle surgery his return date has been uncertain. Surrey have acquired the services of Dean Elgar for April and May, while Indian captain Virat Kohli would play in June.

“I know what it states in their sanctions that they can't play domestic cricket in Australia. We have got a relationship with Mitch to see how he goes with his ankle but we have got a spot we have got to fill as well. So, if they are in the right mental state to play cricket and the ECB will have to allow it to start with, then we'd be mad not to look at some of the world's best players potentially playing,” the Surrey coach added.

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