Banned by Cricket Australia for their involvement in the ball-tampering incident that took place in South Africa earlier this year, the former captain and vice-captain of Australia are on a quest of some cricket under their belt in the Global T20 Canada League. 

They would've been pleased to have received the NOC's for the tournament in the period that they could've completely stayed away from the game in but would've also hoped for some runs to regain the feel of scoring them again. Unfortunately, though, that has remained elusive, as Warner and Smith have both struggled to get going with the bat for their respective teams in the competition. 

Even when they were up against each other on Monday, 2nd July, Warner faced two balls for one run as his lean return to cricket continued for the Winnipeg Hawks who beat Smith’s Toronto Nationals by 56 runs in the seventh match of the star-studded league.

Smith did statistically better, scoring three runs from 10 balls as the Nationals were bowled out for 108 in reply to Winnepeg’s 164-6. He also conceded 34 runs from two overs in an unproductive contribution with the ball. Even when he turned his arm-over, Smith couldn't quite find any solace as his two overs went for 34. 

Warner has struggled for runs on his return to cricket, making scores of 1, 4 and 1 in his three innings to date for the Hawks. Smith made 61 in his first outing for the Nationals but has since had scores of 10 and three and has no wicket for 41 runs from three overs.

It is, perhaps, very natural for two cricketers to struggle after being out from the game for close to 3 months but the Global T20 Canada League organisers and Cricket Australia administrators would certainly want the dangerous batting duo to start living upto their status quickly. 

(Inputs from Hindustan Times)