STEVE SMITH

Age: 26

Average: 54.66 (Test), 40.76 (ODI)

* Made Test debut in 2010 as legspinning allrounder. Returned in 2013 as middle-order batsman

* Maiden Test century came in 2013 Ashes. Only cemented his place in the XI during the 2013-14 Ashes

* Australia’s leading run-scorer in successful 2015 World Cup campaign. Also hit the winning runs in the MCG final

* Rocketed to top spot in ICC’s Test batting rankings in 2015 after a run of six tons in eight Tests. Scored maiden double-century in second Ashes Test at Lord’s

* Has captained the Test side to two draws and one win

* Has captained the ODI side to one win.

DAVID WARNER

Age: 28

Average: 46.28 (Test), 34.69 (ODI)

* Made Twenty20 debut in 2009, the first time somebody has represented Australia before playing first-class cricket since 1877

* Test debut came in 2011. Has been mainstay at top of the order since, save for his suspension in 2013 after clocking Joe Root in a bar

* Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland told Warner his behaviour would not be “tolerated” after the Root misdeed

* Warner then knuckled down after meeting former ironwoman Candice Falzon. Scored two centuries in Test series decider to guide Australia to victory over world No.1 South Africa last year

* Yet to captain the Test or ODI side.

WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?

*Born in Sydney

*First played together for NSW’s second XI, while they made NSW debuts in 2007

*Started their international career with a Twenty20 call-up

*Aggressive batsmen, capable of taking a Test away from the opposition quickly

*If Chris Rogers retires, they are the only two batsmen assured of selection for the Test tour of Bangladesh in October.