IPL 2019: Smith checks in for Rajasthan Royals

Steve Smith, who was suspended for a year by Cricket Australia for his involvement in the ball-tampering saga, missed out on the IPL last year but is set to take a fresh guard this time.

The Royals team management is confident
of Steven Smith's success this season.
- SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Australia batsman Steve Smith reached Jaipur on Sunday to join the Rajasthan Royals camp ahead of the Indian Premier League.

Smith, who was suspended for a year by Cricket Australia for his involvement in the ball-tampering saga, missed out on the IPL last year but is set to take a fresh guard this time.

Smith, who is recovering from an injury, trained with the Australian team in Dubai before flying out to India. The Royals team management is confident of the Aussie's success this season.

Royals' brand ambassador and former Australia cricketer, Shane Warne, told Sportstar that Smith's presence will boost the side. "Oh, Smith is class! There is not too many class players like him around. There is only a handful. Kane Williamson, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli. There are not too many more (who define) class. He is going to enhance any side he plays for," Warne said.

Smith will be attending Royals' camp at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium from Sunday. Royals' Australian recruit, Ashton Turner, however, won't be available until after April 1 due to the series with Pakistan.

Meanwhile, David Warner, who was also banned for the ball-tampering gate, joined the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp on Saturday.

Source : https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/steven-smith-ball-tampering-australia-ipl-2019-rajasthan-royals/article26559342.ece