Finch: Warner will be welcomed back with ‘open arms’

Australia’s limited overs captain Aaron Finch insists David Warner will be welcomed back “with open arms” if he is selected for international cricket against once his ban expires in March next year.

Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith have caused somewhat of a fall-out in Australia by opening up over the scandal as they talked for the first time about the events in the dressing room before they were caught cheating on the field.

Their comments were widely interpreted as deflecting all blame onto then vice-captain Warner.

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A number of former players have blasted Smith and Bancroft especially for dragging the issue back into the spotlight and detracting from the ongoing third Test against India at the MCG.

But Australia’s current ODI and T20 skipper, Finch, insisted they would all be welcomed back if selected again.

Finch said: “It’s nine months ago and I think in the next three months when Davey and Steve are ready to be allowed to come back and play cricket for Australia and their states I think from my point of view, they’ll be welcomed back with open arms,” he said.

“I think that whatever has happened has happened,” he added.

“The punishment has been dealt. They’ve been working really hard off the field to meet every criteria and gone above and beyond everything that has been asked of them to come back and play international cricket again.”

Finch’s support is seen as important after Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts was quoted by Sydney’s Daily Telegraph as saying he would canvass the dressing room to see if they were wanted.

Smith and Warner were banned for a year from international and domestic cricket for their part in using sandpaper to alter the ball in South Africa in March.

Bancroft was suspended for nine months and is due to make his return action in the Big Bash League this weekend.