Australia Can Defend World Cup Title With David Warner, Steven Smith - Shane Warne

Former legendary spinner Shane Warne believes Australia can defend their World Cup crown when their talisman batsmen David Warner and Steven Smith will return to action. Both the linchpin of Australian cricket are currently serving their ball tampering bans of one year. Smith and Warner can return to action on 29th March in the ODI series against Pakistan, set to take place in the UAE.

However, their elbow injury can hamper their much-awaited return to the International level. On the other hand, Australia isn’t in the best of forms in the recent past. Out of their last 18 One Day Internationals, Australia have managed to win only three matches and have lost 15. Thus, they need to turn the tables.

Meanwhile, the magician leg-spinner believes Smith and Warner would be fresh after one year break from the game. Furthermore, they would be hungry to prove themselves once again.

“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,” he told Fox Sports.

“You freshen your mind up, you become hungry again and realise how important cricket is to you.”

Warne believes Australia would be able to turn the tables in the quadrennial event. The former leg-spinner feels Australia can go all the way in the ODI showpiece.

“That’s why I reckon Australia can win the World Cup,” he said, despite the team’s recent patchy one-day form.

“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.”

It would be prudent to consider Australia as one of the contenders for the World Cup. Yes, they are not in the best of form and would have to bring their best to the table in the World Cup.

They have been won the title on five occasions and they are a big side in an event like the World Cup. However, Australia will need to come up with collective performances to win the title for the sixth time.