Banned pair Steve Smith, David Warner to learn Cricket Australia contract status after long absence

Steve Smith and David Warner have been welcomed back by the Australian cricket squad, but will they be as accommodating when the latest round of CA player contracts are sorted out?

Steve Smith and David Warner could miss out on million dollar Cricket Australia contracts next month and instead be made to re-earn their status after their bans expire.

he formal reintegration of the suspended pair lifted a gear on Friday and Saturday when they met coach Justin Langer and players from the one-day team in the United Arab Emirates.

They had dinner on Friday night, and then meetings on Saturday where Smith and Warner, who are eligible to play for Australia again on March 29, were made aware of the “values and behaviours” instilled in the national team by Langer.

Warner, who has mingled with players including Smith at NSW training in recent times, said it was “like we didn’t really leave” after meeting with those players likely be teammates at the World Cup.

‘LIKE WE NEVER LEFT’: SMITH, WARNER WELCOMED BACK

BALL TAMPERING: WHY WARNER REJECTED BIG MONEY TO ‘SNITCH’

David Warner will play a huge role for the team in the next 12 months in both the World Cup and Ashes.

BURNING QUESTIONS: IS SMITH A LOCK FOR WORLD CUP SQUAD?

IAN CHAPPELL: WHY PAINE SHOULD LEAD WORLD CUP CHARGE

COMMENT: BALL TAMPERING SAGA NOT GOING AWAY SOON

The dynamic batsman, who has flown to India for the Indian Premier League with Smith, conceded it was important the pair accepted their new roles in a new team.

“Being out for 12 months there has been a big change, which is great. It’s about accepting that and playing what our role in the team should be moving forward. Making sure we are aligned with the team values,” Warner said.

David Warner bats during a Sydney cricket game at Pratten Park, Ashfeld, last October.

Those changes include the emergence of several players who may keep Warner and Smith out of Australia’s first choice team for the World Cup and also demand CA contracts.

There is some debate about where Smith and Warner should be ranked when the contracts are awarded on April 12, or if they should get one at all.

Smith and Warner will play a huge role for the team in the next 12 months in both the World Cup and Ashes.

Steve Smith (above) and David Warner met the squad in Dubai following Australia’s historic ODI series win in India.

But contracts are seen as a reward for efforts in the previous 12 months as well as forecasting how much cricket individuals may play for Australia in the next year.

Before their ban Smith and Warner were on the top tier of CA contract holders and earning in excess of $2 million with tour fees, match fees and prizemoney included.

This year Allan Border medallist Pat Cummins will become Australia’s highest paid player with Test skipper Tim Paine close to the top too. Nathan Lyon and star fast bowlers Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood will likely round out the top five.

Steve Smith bats during a club cricket match at Coogee Oval last year.

Test incumbents Marcus Harris and Kurtis Patterson are among others likely to get deals.

While it’s likely Smith and Warner they will get CA contracts, some feel they should earn their deals via playing upgrades. Players not awarded contracts can earn upgrades throughout the year by accruing 12 points, with five for a Test, two for an ODI and one for a T20.

Langer said the pair had endured an “unprecedented” ban in Australian cricket and was excited to have them back in the fold.

“As a coach, when you’ve got guys with as many runs and experience as they have come in to a team which is playing well, that’s pretty exciting,” he said.