Australia can defend World Cup title with Smith and Warner's presence: Shane Warne

Steve Smith and David Warner are currently serving a year-long suspension after sandpaper incident happened against South Africa in early 2018. Post this, the duo has had a hard time facing criticism. The star pair's ban from state and international cricket for ball-tampering expires later this month and they are expected to be rushed back into the Australian side for the defence of their title at the showpiece tournament in England this year.

Unfortunately, both Steve Smith and David Warner suffered an elbow injury in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) which may elongate their return to the International circuit. However, Steve Smith and David Warner have already started to hit a few balls in the nets. 

With this, Warne went onto praise duo's ability to be back in the scheme of things as soon as they finish their suspension period and has no doubt they will be as good as ever, benefiting from the break rather than their skills being blunted.

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Interestingly, Warne was suspended in 2003 for a year after testing positive to banned diuretic drugs. Many wrote him off, but the leg-spinning legend quickly bounced back and enjoyed several more years playing at the highest level with the Australian team.

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

Warne said both players would also "have a point to prove" when they eventually pad up again.

"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," Warne concluded. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Steve Smith and David Warner are expected to be back in late March. 
• World Cup is scheduled to begin on May 30 in England. 
• Warne, in his day, too served a year-long suspension in 2003.