Putting an end to anticipation, Cricket Australia has confirmed that Steve Smith, David Warner will return to the fold as part of the Australian squad for 2019 Cricket World Cup.
Former captain Smith and vice-captain Warner will be returning to the world stage after the completion of their 12-month suspensions over their role in the ball-tampering scandal that erupted in South Africa last year.
This also marks their return to Cricket Australia’s contracted players' list.
Earlier, speaking with SBS Punjabi from India, just before the first match of the One Day International (ODI) series got underway in March earlier this year, the dynamic all-rounder Glenn Maxwell had predicted the duo's return.
"They are two world-class players who are just coming out of elbow surgery, which isn't the easiest thing to do. But I'm sure they'll do everything they can to make themselves ready for selection, Mr Maxwell said.
"I think they will come back (Smith and Warner), because they are two world-class players and two guys who are itching to get back into the Australian setup."
Since their ban ended on March 28, both Smith and Warner have been fine-tuning their games in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
While Warner who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad has been in impressive form and is the current custodian of the orange cap for scoring most runs in the tournament, Smith struck his first half-century for his Rajasthan Royals team on April 7, after a series of ‘low scores’ of 20, 28 and 38 .
“Steve Smith and David Warner come back into the squad. Both are world class players and it has been pleasing to see them produce some good form in the IPL,” Trevor Hohns, the Chairman of Selectors was quoted as saying in the press release.
Steve Smith and David Warner set to make a comeback Source: AAP
Other big picks in the 15-man squad that will be captained by Aaron Finch include Alex Carey as the sole wicket-keeper, and paceman Jhye Richardson and Mitchell Starc who have both been included despite their recent injuries.
“The advice from the CA medical team is they are progressing well and barring any setbacks will be available for selection ahead of our opening match against Afghanistan on June 1,” said Mr Hohns.
However, key pacer Josh Hazlewood who hasn’t played a one-dayer for Australia since November due to his back injury has failed to make the cut.
The squad announcement comes as Australia readies itself to defend the coveted World Cup title that it had won on home ground for the fourth time in 2015.
Paceman Josh Hazlewood has missed out on Australia's World Cup squad and will prepare for the Ashes. (AAP) Source: AAP
“We’d like to congratulate the players selected to represent Australia at the upcoming World Cup, it is a huge honour and I know this squad is focused on playing a brand of cricket which can help us in our ambition to win another World Cup title,” Mr Hohns added.
The team will head to England for the tournament slated to begin on May 30.
