The legendary Australia National Cricket Team bowler Shane Warne is hopeful on seeing Australia retaining the 2019 World Cup title with the return of Steven Smith and flamboyant opener David Warner. But their potential return is subjected to their fitness as both have undergone elbow surgery, recently.
In March 2018, the duo faced a one-year ban in the wake-up of the ball-tampering saga at Cape Town. On the other side, opening batsman Cameron Bancroft also faced the sanctioned of a nine-month ban, for tampering with the ball during the third Test between Proteas and Australia.
With the ban completing on March 29, Cricket Australia (CA) would be keen on seeing their star players making a return to help Australia in retaining the ODI title.
Smith, Warner nervous?
Warne remarked they have a lot to prove on their return. He adds they’re thrilled to join the team.
“They’ll walk straight back in, they’ll be hungry. They’ll be a bit nervous in the first few games but that’ll be good for them, they’ll be excited and I would expect them to play as good as they always have,” Warne told Fox Sports.
Warne believes the senior campaigner will be crucial for Australia in English conditions. The quadrennial event is all set to run between May 20 and July 14 with India and England being termed as favourites for lifting the title.
On the other side, Smith and Warner haven’t had much to play apart from a couple of games during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for their respective franchises. But they went on to pick injuries which extended their exile in the lead up to the multi-nation tourney.
Why Shane Warne thinks Australia can retain the 2019 World Cup:
While talking about the benefit of a lengthy break, Warne believes the duo will come good for Australia.
“You freshen your mind up, you become hungry again and realise how important cricket is to you. That’s why I reckon Australia can win the World Cup,” he said, despite the team’s recent patchy one-day form,” Warne added.
Interestingly, in 2003 Warne put himself into trouble when he consumed diuretic drugs. It eventually led to his suspension when he was tested positive for banned substance.
By that time, many thought it had jeopardised Warne’s career. However, the star bowler put in the hard years to weave magic with the ball in the top-flight cricket.
“Sometimes having an enforced lay off — like I’m used to, I had 12 months off myself — what that means is you become really fresh,” Warne told Fox Sports.
Recently, the assistant coach Ricky Ponting has also the expectations from the senior batsmen. He inferred the mixture of youth and experience has a lot on offer.
Meanwhile, the left-handed batsman Warner will return for the club side. Randwick Petersham Cricket Club, as Smith has already made it to the nets following a rehabilitation.
Well, in 2015, Australia lifted the World Cup by seven wickets by thrashing Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at the MCG.