As speculation swirls and debate becomes increasingly divisive regarding the Cape Town trio in Australia's ball-tampering scandal, Justin Langer feels like the "director of a soap opera".
The national coach has previously referred to Australian cricket as a dysfunctional family and the past week, in which Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith's interviews prompted debate, has done little to improve that environment.
"It's all just part of the soap opera we're in every day," Langer told reporters.
"I feel like a director of a soap opera at the moment, I honestly do."
Bancroft has completed a nine-month suspension for his role in the saga.
Langer, Test captain Tim Paine and ODI skipper Aaron Finch have all made it clear that Smith and Warner are on track to return soon after their year-long bans end - possibly as early as an ODI in late March.
Cricket Australia was unhappy that Fox Sports aired Smith and Bancroft's interviews on Boxing Day, one of the most revered days on the sport's calendar.
Ricky Ponting and Michael Slater headlined the past players to criticise the timing and content of the interviews, which scratched the scars from the sandpaper saga.
Warner, who many feel was thrown under the bus by Smith and Bancroft, has remained silent.
Warner's lack of words was both criticised and praised, such was the climate in which the three batsmen appeared in the headlines throughout the third Test.
"That was just another distraction last week," Langer said.
"That's part of coaching. It's man management, looking after people and caring for people."
Smith and Warner remain part of Langer's rebuild.
"We're in touch with the boys all the time, there's a really good process we're going to go through to get the boys back into the team," Langer said.
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