Warner, Smith named in Australia World Cup squad

SYDNEY: Steve Smith and David Warner, who  were banned  following a ball-tampering incident, have   returned to Australia's ODI squad for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in England and Wales.

Former captain Smith and opening batsman Warner have not played international cricket since their ban following a ball-tampering incident in Cape Town in March 2018. It is the first call-up for the former captain and his deputy since the expiry late last month of year-long bans for their part in the "sandpapergate" scandal in Cape Town that rocked cricket.

Australia have named two spinners  Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon  in the 15-member squad alongside a five-strong pace arsenal of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Starc and Richardson's involvement, however, will be subject to fitness as they recover from injuries.

Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis make up the all-rounders and Alex Carey is in as the lone wicket-keeper, while Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja and captain Aaron Finch complete the 15.

CWC squad: Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon