Reports: Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to play for Surrey

Recently the Australian Cricket Board banned Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft after they admitted their involvement in the infamous ball tampering scandal. Smith and Warner got slapped with aa 1-year ban while Bancroft was banned for just 9 months.

BCCI and the IPL governing authority then decided that it was only fitting that the duo be banned from playing in the IPL too.

However, Smith and Warner stand an opportunity to play in England county cricket, only if the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) gives the permission. County club Surrey is looking to secure the services of either one of these banned superstats.

Michael Di Venuto, Surrey coach and former Australian coach, has confirmed to cricket.com.au that they are seeing to sign one of the banned stars if the ECB gives the approval.

“From an Australian perspective, it is probably important that they play a bit of cricket at some stage,” Di Venuto said.

“I don’t know if they are allowed to play in this competition. I know what it states in their sanctions that they can’t play domestic cricket in Australia.”

Mitchell Marsh who plays a key role for Surrey recently had a successful surgery on his injured knee. He will miss the major part of the season as he’s only available at the end of the season and thus Surrey are looking for a replacement for the Aussie all-rounder.

“We have got a relationship with Mitch to see how he goes with his ankle but we have got a spot we have got to fill as well,” Di Venuto added.

“So, if they are in the right mental state to play cricket and the ECB will have to allow it to start with, then we’d be mad not to look at some of the world’s best players potentially playing.”

Indian Captain Virat Kohli has also signed a deal with County side Surrey. Virat will fly to England just after the end of ongoing IPL season to play County cricket.

He will miss the historical test against Afghanistan as he will play in England to get himself used to the conditions there before the all important England tour.