David Warner needs Australian cricket more than they need him, says Graeme Smith

David Warner is expected to be back in the Australian colours come the ICC World Cup 2019 after serving a one-year ban in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal during the Cape Town Test in South Africa in March of 2018. Warner, who spent the ban playing grade cricket in Australia and in various T20 leagues around the world, along with fellow cricketer Steve Smith, who was also banned, is almost confirmed to be picked in Australia’s 15-man squad for the mega ICC event.

In the meantime, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has stated that David Warner needs Australia cricket more than they need him. Currently plying his trade with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing IPL 2019, Warner will be one of the more anticipated stars in the World Cup.

Coach Justin Langer needs to manage Warner’s ego for betterment of the team

“It’s difficult to know what it’s like behind the scenes, but he’s always been an incredible cricketer. Especially when he bats, he bats with that driven nature, that intensity, ego to perform. And he’s an excellent cricketer. I think where David has been throughout his career is that he’s pissed a lot of people off. He’s just that type of guy. I think at the moment he needs Australian cricket more than they need him,” Smith, who is the only player to lead his side (South Africa) in 100 Tests, was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.

Warner was suspected of instigating a plot to use sandpaper, changing the condition of the ball and was long seen as a divisive figure and Smith mentioned that while he admired Warner’s batting, he had “pissed a lot of people off” throughout his career.

“I think he’s very driven, I think he wants to do well, he wants to prove his worth again. And I think David Warner in that position is probably a good guy to have in your environment. It’s when he starts to get bigger than everybody else then probably management needs to be ready for that. Guys like Langer and whoever is captaining the side going forward need to ensure they stay on top of that and manage that space and that ego well going forward,” said Smith after mentioning that Warner’s behavior needs to be monitored.

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