Simon Katich Feels Steven Smith, David Warner Perk Up Australian Chance at the ICC World Cup 2019

Mar 15, 2019 at 2:39 PM

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Simon Katich Feels Steven Smith, David Warner Perk Up Australian Chance at the ICC World Cup 2019

Former Australian top-order batsman Simon Katich has backed the tainted duo of Steven Smith and David Warner. The top-notch cricketers were barred from any competitive cricket for one year in the wake up of ball-tampering scandal during Cape Town Test against hosts South Africa. He’s hopeful on seeing duo shouldering the responsibility in the upcoming 2019 ICC World Cup.

Katich stressed that the return of Smith and Warner will augur well for the Australia camp

The 43-year-old distinguished cricketer Katich hung his boots in 2012-13 for the first-class cricket before announcing his retirement from Twenty20 in 2014 respectively.

Warner, Smith eager to perform:

Steven Smith, David Warner, Australia, Ricky Ponting, ICC World Cup 2019, Simon Katich
Smith and Warner have the onus on their shoulder. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Katich reiterated Smith and Warner will be much-eager to hit the ground running. He believes Smith-Warner show could ease out things for the Australian team.

By going this, it will help the Kangaroos to retain the World Cup title, according to Katich. The then Michael Clarke led side won the coveted title against New Zealand at the MCG in 2015.

“Smith and Warner will be hungry… They are both class players. If they come out firing and if the other boys too can do their job, Australia will have a very good chance in the World Cup,” Katich told Telegraph India.

Besides, Katich reminisced that Australia has done quite well in the recent past. Notably, the inclusion of heavyweight will help in boosting the confidence of the Australian unit.

“Having the class of Smith and Warner back in the mix gives Australia a lot more confidence ahead of the World Cup. World Cups are all about doing well for those six-odd weeks. It doesn’t matter what you did before that. Everything changes when you are in that pressure situation,” Katich added.

Katich, who is set to provide vital tips to the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) players. The batting consultant for KKR revealed he’s proud with the way visiting side Australia has performed in India.

The guests went on to win the series decider by 35 runs at Feroz Shah Kotla to win the first bilateral series after a gap of 10 years on Indian soul.

Katich is in awe of Australia show in India:

Simon Katich, David Warner, Steven Smith, ICC World Cup 2019
The all-round show won Australia a major ODI series. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Katich has also praised the efforts of Australia for winning the five-match ODI series against Australia by 3-2. He remarked the spirit Australia has set themselves in good stead ahead of the quadrennial event in the United Kingdom (UK).

“It’s a very good result for the Australian team, more so after losing at home to India. Australia haven’t been playing well in ODIs in the last year or so. But what they showed here in India was a lot of spirit,” Katich stated.

Katich has featured across formats for Australia. He played 56 Tests apart from 45 ODIs and three T20I.

Katich has also lauded Usman Khawaja and Ashton Turner for their impactful performance. Subsequently, it has helped Australia in winning the heavily-contested series.

He cited that Australian national selectors have to take important decision while naming Aussies 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2019.

“A few new faces popped up and grabbed their chances. Usman Khawaja at the top of the order was outstanding, while Ashton Turner was excellent in the lower half. The Australian selectors will have to take some interesting decisions for the World Cup,” Katich concluded.

Currently, Katich is with KKR training camp at the Jadavpur University. KKR will kick-off their campaign on 24th of March against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

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