No stretch of a year-long ban is going to be easy for Steve Smith and David Warner but this week is likely to rank among the hardest.
As Tim Paine's side prepared to push for Australia's first Test series win in Asia since 2011, NSW's Sheffield Shield campaign started at Adelaide Oval.
Being denied a chance to represent their country continues to hurt Smith and Warner, who have both kept low profiles since their return to grade cricket in Sydney.
But the stars being barred from an entire domestic season is what was deemed particularly unjust by so many key Australian cricket figures, who felt the duo could have improved others in the Shield and Big Bash League while also ensuring they are better placed to make international returns in 2019.
Smith and Warner have lived in Sydney throughout their entire careers and remain close with NSW teammates; many have been a major source of support throughout their time in exile.
The pair, both yet to speak publicly since returning home from the Caribbean Premier League over a month ago, have been irregularly taking up Blues coach Phil Jaques' invitation to train with the state squad at the SCG.
"They've been coming and going ... it's been purely around helping them get ready to play," Jaques told AAP.
"And just to be there for them.
"There's been no pressure on.
"They're very welcome and we love having them ... it's a great thing to have that experience around and we want to help them any way we possibly can to stay engaged with the game."
Smith and Warner boast a combined 138 Tests of experience.
They have been imparting that wisdom to club teammates at Sutherland and Randwick-Petersham respectively, but also NSW's young guns.
"I've seen a few good conversations. That happens organically when you have people like them around," Jaques said.
"They've been really easygoing and fitted in around what our squad needs, while also getting in what they need."
NSW debutant Jason Sangha last week described Warner's impact on him and other Randwick-Petersham teammates as "awesome".
"He brings so much," Sangha said.
Grade cricket has been an outlet for Smith and Warner but it has obvious restrictions, even discounting the drop in standard for two of the world's best batsmen.
Rain meant no play was possible last Saturday, forcing the rusty veterans to wait a fortnight between games.
Shane Warne and Shane Watson are among the former players to have declared Smith and Warner's punishment was too harsh.
Several members of the Test and NSW squads are understood to share the same opinion while former national coach Darren Lehmann admitted last week he would "love" them to be available for domestic cricket.
Australian Associated Press
