Australia weak without Smith and Warner: Mohammad Shami

CA banned Smith and Warner for 12 months and opener Cameron Bancroft for nine months for their involvement in the ball-tampering saga in Cape Town that shook Australian cricket. Their bans are set to end in March-end, effectively ruling them out of the India series, which ends in mid-January.

Australia will rue the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner if their bans are not revoked before they host India – the series starts with a T20 series on November 21 – believes Indian pacer Mohammad Shami.

There is no clarity whether banned cricketers Smith and Warner will be allowed to return to international cricket as Cricket Australia is still ‘considering’ about revoking their bans after a report submitted by the Australia Cricketers’ Association earlier this month termed the punishment as harsh.

CA banned Smith and Warner for 12 months and opener Cameron Bancroft for nine months for their involvement in the ball-tampering saga in Cape Town that shook Australian cricket. Their bans are set to end in March-end, effectively ruling them out of the India series, which ends in mid-January.

"If those two don't play, they will obviously be weakened. But in the end, you have to stick to your plan and work on your strengths," Shami said.

Australia have been struggling big time in the absence of Smith and Warner. They have won only three matches in their last 22 ODIs and are yet to win a Test match since March.

Meanwhile, Shami revealed that he is preparing for the Australia tour by watching videos of their opponents in order to get the line and length right.

"As a fast bowling unit, we did well in England. We are preparing for the Australia series and watching a lot of videos. The plan is to focus on the series as much as possible as the opponents are very strong. We will work on getting the line and length right," Shami added.

"We will always try to do our best. Winning or losing also depends on luck. We will give our 100 per cent," Shami said.

India are slated to play three T20Is, followed by four Test matches and three ODIs in Australia.