Shane Warne Backs David Warner To Be The Player Of The World Cup

Legendary spinner Shane Warne has predicted a fine return to international cricket for banned Steve Smith and David Warner.

David Warner and Steve Smith’s 12-month ban is all to end now. The ban will conclude on March 28 after which the duo will be be clear to take part in international and first-class cricket. Well, only time will tell how the stat batters perform in international cricket after spending a year away from it. But if Shane Warne’s prediction is anything to go by then one can expect the Aussie duo to hit the ground running.

Both the players had starred for Australia in the last edition of the World Cup, helping the side win the tournament for a record fifth time. With 402 runs, Smith was Australia’s top run-scorer in the last World Cup while Warner had finished the competition as his team’s second run-scorer with 345 runs. Australia have already made it clear that the duo will be fast-tracked into the team for the World Cup and the team would be desperate to see their former captain and vice-captain do well.

“I think what you are going to see is a pretty quiet David Warner and Steve Smith. They are just going to try and let their bat do the talking and toe the line,” Shane Warne told The Telegraph.

“I think they will come back better than they were. They’re going to come out and destroy attacks and I back David Warner to be the player of the World Cup.

“Warner overstepped the line a lot in his early career. He then changed into a more placid player but was then told by Cricket Australia to be the enforcer and was doing what he was told,” he added.

Citing his own example when he returned to action in 2003 after serving a 12-month ban due to doping violations, Warne said he expects the duo to return with renewed vigour. Warne has missed Australia’s victorious campaign in the 2003 World Cup after getting suspension for taking a banned diuretic.

“All I can go on is experience having a year off myself. The next four years were the best I ever had,” Warne said.

“I was hungry for the game. My body and mind were fresh and it is amazing how excited you are to play again. You get excited just going to the nets again because you have taken it for granted in the past,” recalled Warne.

Meanwhile, the Australia team-management has confirmed Smith and Warner would not take part in the last two games of the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Consequently, both the players will return to action through the Indian Premier League.