Reintegrating Smith, Warner not a priority for Morgan

Eoin Morgan will not follow Virat Kohli’s lead in paving the way for Steve Smith and David Warner’s rehabilitation into international cricket.

England take on Australia at Lord’s today, in what has become a crunch encounter following their surprising 20-run defeat to Sri Lanka on Friday.

Whilst today’s clash will have genuine ramifications on England’s potential semi-final progression, much of the interest still surrounds the reception Smith and Warner will receive.

The duo recently made their return to the Australian setup following 12 month bans for their part if the now infamous Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

England captain Morgan, however, sees no reason to aid the two Aussies’ redemption arc.

Speaking on Virat Kohli’s gesture that the Indian crowd should applaud Steve Smith, Morgan said: “I didn’t see that but when I heard about it I thought about it for quite a while,

“I thought about ‘would it help in the right way?’ and ‘is it right?’ – but it didn’t sit right with me.

“I think fans and supporters up and down the country will have different reactions, as they will around the world.

“Just because two guys have been punished, served their punishment and returned to play, it doesn’t mean they will be accepted back into the cricket community straight away. It will take time.”