David Warner, Steve Smith on separate flights after friendship turns toxic
There is speculation the pair will not play together in the same team when their suspensions are up. Photo: Getty
The relationship between former Test leadership pair Steve Smith and David Warner has reportedly become so toxic, the pair had to be put on separate flights back home to Australia.
Smith came via Singapore and Warner via Dubai amid fears for Smith’s “fragile” state of mind and because the relationship between the former teammates has turned toxic in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, The Daily Telegraph has reported.
There is also speculation the pair are unlikely to both be allowed back into the Australian team after their suspensions are up, with Smith the preferred choice.
Meanwhile, Warner has announced he will hold a media conference on Saturday morning for the first time since the ball-tampering scandal that claimed his Australian cricket team vice-captaincy.
Warner issued a statement on social media about his involvement in the scandal before speaking briefly to reporters when he flew into Sydney from South Africa last night.
Warner, former captain Smith and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft have been handed lengthy Cricket Australia bans for their role in the ball-tampering affair that has rocked the cricketing world.
Warner arrived home in Sydney last night. Comforted by his wife Candice and intent on getting his two young daughters to bed, Warner stopped briefly to talk to journalists upon his near-midnight airport arrival.
“As you can understand, it’s been a tough and an emotional time for my wife and the kids,” Warner said when asked if he’d heard about coach Darren Lehmann quitting.
“At this present time, you’ll hear from me in a couple of days.
“At the moment, my priority is to get these kids in bed and rest up and let my mind be clear so I can think and talk to you in a couple of days.”
Earlier he issued a statement on social media while en route back from South Africa after being handed a 12-month ban alongside Steve Smith for his role in the scandal.
“Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket,” Warner wrote. “I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it.
“I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans. “It’s a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy. I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days.”
