Former Australian cricketer Damien Fleming has thrown his support behind banned duo Steve Smith and David Warner being allowed to return to Sheffield Shield cricket.
Fleming believes it would give state-level bowlers a great chance to get some experience against the best.
“I’d like them to be playing Shield cricket,” Fleming told SEN Breakfast.
“I think it benefits Australian cricket more than the individuals and we need to strengthen Shield cricket as much as possible and to have young bowlers bowling to Smith and Warner, I think that’s a good thing.
“I don’t want them play T20 competitions over in Dubai and Pakistan, I want to keep them within Australian cricket.
“They’re still taking a hit because their goal is to play for Australia.”
Fleming said some states were in favour of Smith and Warner being allowed to play.
“It seems like some states are for lifting the bans and others are not,” Fleming said.
“I think you can learn lessons and I think it would benefit Australian cricket if they were allowed to play Sheffield Shield cricket.”