New Delhi: Having been welcomed with open arms by his national teammates in Dubai, Steve Smith Sunday touched down in Jaipur to join his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals’ pre-tournament camp ahead of cash-rich league starting March 23.
With an aim to get back in the Australian side for the World Cup, Smith is expected to raise his game for the Royals and franchise’s brand ambassador Shane Warne knows that the former skipper will be “as hungry as ever”.
“He (Smith) will be so excited to turn up and play cricket. That’s what he loves doing and that’s what he is very very good at. Smith and Warner are two of the best players in world cricket, I think Smith will be giving a lot and integrate with the team,” Warne told PTI during an interaction. Smith and David Warner would soon be completing their one-year international ban for their involvement in ball tampering scandal in South Africa last year. The duo spent some time with the Australian team in Dubai on invitation of coach Justin Langer and both said that they felt at home instantly with the vibes that they got from their teammates. With rising sensation Ashton Turner unavailable for first three games for Royals due to international commitment against Pakistan, Smith along with Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer will be key overseas players for the 2008 champions. Playing for Rajasthan Royals will be a huge thing for Smith as this is the only cricket he will be playing before World Cup, where he will make an international comeback.
“Having Smith’s experience around and his hunger and passion as the only cricket that is before World Cup, will be a big thing for him. I have no doubt that Smith and Warner will get back to their best as they were before,” Warne said. Royals’ bargain buy Ashton Turner however won’t be available till April 1 due to the Pakistan series. Warne expects him to push for his place among four overseas players. (PTI)
