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Pakistan are keen to host two or three matches on home soil against Australia for the first time in 20 years, with the remaining matches to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

Langer read what Smith had said in his press conference last week, the first time he had spoken publicly since his initial appearance before the cameras in Sydney in March upon returning from South Africa, but said it was their face-to-face meetings that counted.

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"I've spoken to him. That's much more important to me than what I read in the press – that's with absolute respect – because I hear it straight from the horse's mouth," Langer said.

"I think he's in a very determined place. Obviously, it's been a really tough time for him. But we can't wait to see – can't wait to have him back. [I am] really looking forward to this – he's [the] Virat Kohli of the Australian cricket team. That's the truth of it. He's an outstanding player, he's been our captain. He's a fantastic young bloke.

"I know how determined he is to get back and play for Australia. That makes me feel warm and fuzzy, knowing Steve Smith is determined."

Smith, Kohli and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson are regarded as the premier batsmen in the world, with the dashing and unorthodox Smith this time last year being labelled as Australia's best since Donald Bradman. Smith has even said the year off could help him become an even better player.

Bancroft will return through the Big Bash League this month for the Perth Scorchers.

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"You've probably read Cameron Bancroft's letter to himself. That was incredibly courageous, what we wrote, and he's learned," Langer said.

"If you see how he's blossomed, it's unbelievable – and I've known him since he was very young. To see how he's gone from pretty much, you'd say a boy into a man, from what's happened, that warms my heart as well.

"I know Davey Warner is the same. Davey Warner would be training like Rocky Balboa at the moment. They're very determined to get back into the Australian cricket team. There's a process. Obviously, it's going to happen in the next little bit but it's a pretty exciting time I think."

Langer said discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board about the dates of the five-match one-day series were ongoing.

"We'll get the best outcome for Australian cricket, for them [Smith and Warner] personally. We'll work through that but there's certainly been no decisions," he said.