5 Australian players who should be protected during IPL 2019  

Steven Smith

Steven Smith

The former Aussie skipper was another star player who was involved in the Sandpaper scandal earlier this March and is currently serving a one-year ban.

With his suspension too ending on March 27 next year, he will be making his much-awaited comeback. Cricket Australia though would be tempted to field him against Pakistan in the ODI series to be held in April 2019 to, before allowing him to play in the IPL so that he could return to the scheme of things before the World Cup squad selection.

Smith was Australia's highest run-getter during their victorious 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup title win at home, scoring 402 runs in seven innings with his highest score being 105.

His absence has certainly affected the Aussies, who were whitewashed 5-0 by the English in June while losing the ODI series 1-2 against South Africa at home earlier this month.

Smith, who was replaced by Ajinkya Rahane as Rajasthan Royals skipper last season has been retained by the Jaipur-based franchise ahead of 2019 IPL. The Royals missed Smith last year, as they lacked a stable batsman who could guide them all the way. Though his return will bolster their batting, Smith must be protected ahead of the crucial 2019 World Cup.