Smith's workhorse-like IPL ride statement for critics

New Delhi, May 1 - One can never forget the scene when Steve Smith cried at a press conference held in Australia after taking full responsibility of the ball-tampering incident which took place in the Cape Town Test against South Africa last year.

Skipper Smith and deputy David Warner were banned for a year each by Cricket Australia while Cameron Bancroft was banned for nine months. As a result of the ban, Smith was also barred by the BCCI to take part in the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Without the tainted duo, especially their skipper Smith, the performance of the Australian team also deteriorated. It was in their absence only that Australia, for the first time, had to face a Test-series defeat against India in their own backyard.

However, just before the start of the World Cup, things seem to be falling in place for the Aussies. They defeated Virat Kohli and boys in the five-match ODI series in India. And now, both Smith and Warner have found form as they gear up to represent the country in the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

While Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Warner had a dream return to the IPL, Smit''s journey this season can be easily termed as a mixed bag.

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