2019 Cricket World Cup: Steve Smith and David Warner named in Australia squad

2019 ICC Cricket World Cup

• When: 30 May to 14 July
• Where: England and Wales
• Format: one-day international (ODI), 50 overs
• Number of teams: 10
• Number of matches: 48

Defending champions Australia have selected Steve Smith and David Warner in their squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The duo have recently returned from suspension for their part in last year’s ball-tampering scandal against South Africa. Their return to the national team was confirmed on Monday after Australia named their 15-man World Cup squad.

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Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said: “We have been extremely pleased with how the ODI squad has been building over the past six months, including the recent series wins in India and against Pakistan in the UAE.

“Steve Smith and David Warner come back into the squad. Both are world class players and it has been pleasing to see them produce some good form in the IPL.”

Big names miss out

While Smith and Warner are in, there’s no place for Peter Handscomb or Josh Hazlewood.

Cricket.com.au says it’s a surprise to see big names such as batsman Handscomb and star quick bowler Hazlewood left out. However, their absence “underlines both the reversal of Australia’s recent one-day form and the depth of talent the panel had to choose from”.

Hohns added: “Given the depth of talent and competition for spots there were a number of tough calls we had to make to settle on our squad of 15.

“Unfortunately, from the recent squad which toured India and the UAE, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner and Kane Richardson have made way, but all three have been included in the Australia A squad for the tour of England.

“Josh Hazlewood has also been named in the Australia A squad. Having not played at the highest level for some time, we feel this will provide him with the best preparation to get some quality cricket under his belt. Our focus is to have Josh back bowling at his best for the commencement of a big Ashes Tour.

“Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson have both been named subject to fitness. The advice from the CA medical team is they are progressing well and barring any setbacks will be available for selection ahead of our opening match against Afghanistan.”

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup takes place from 30 May to 14 July in England and Wales. Australia’s first World Cup match is against Afghanistan in Bristol on 1 June.

Australia’s 15-man squad for the Cricket World Cup

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

Australia’s Cricket World Cup fixtures (all times UK)

• 1 June: Afghanistan vs. Australia (Bristol County Ground, Bristol; 1.30pm)
• 6 June: Australia vs. West Indies (Trent Bridge, Nottingham; 10.30am)
• 9 June: India vs. Australia (The Oval, London; 10.30am)
• 12 June: Australia vs. Pakistan (County Ground, Taunton; 10.30am)
• 15 June: Sri Lanka vs. Australia (The Oval, London; 10.30am)
• 20 June: Australia vs. Bangladesh (Trent Bridge, Nottingham; 10.30am)
• 25 June: England vs. Australia (Lord’s, London; 10.30am)
• 29 June: New Zealand vs. Australia (Lord’s, London; 1.30pm)
• 6 July: Australia vs. South Africa (Old Trafford, Manchester; 1.30pm)