ICC World Cup 2019: Shane Warne picks his Australian starting XI for the tournament

With the World Cup less than five months away, each time is trying to figure out the best playing XI for itself, and are asking experts for their opinions. Former Australian spin wizard Shane Warne feels that his side is one of the favorites to lift the coveted trophy and has backed the currently suspended duo of Steve Smith and David Warner to make a powerful return to the side.

The legendary bowler has drafted his starting XI for Australia with an idea of playing D’Arcy Short alongside David Warner as the opening pair, having Aaron Finch to play on number three and moving the likes of Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis down the order. Alex Carey, according to Warne, should play down at number eight ahead of the pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson.

Shane Warne wrote in his column for the Herald Sun, “I really do believe Australia can win the World Cup. I think it’s a fantastic one-day side. The talent is there, and if they can gel quickly, I think they’ll play really well. Warner could be the player of the World Cup. They will want to make a statement, they will want to make amends, but also to prove to everyone just how good they are, they’ll be so driven.”

An unfit Steve Smith should not play the World Cup

He also said that if Steve Smith doesn’t completely recover from the injury he is nursing, Ashton Turner can be a good cover. Warne said that Smith should not just be fit for batting but for fielding too, and if he cannot throw the ball, he should not be included in the playing XI.

“I’d really like to find a spot in the team for Ashton Turner, but he’s a very handy reserve. He comes in if Smith’s elbow doesn’t recover. Smith has to be able to field too. If he can’t throw, he doesn’t go. I’m also happy to include Peter Handscomb to keep his spot in the squad. I like what he’s done in the team recently.”

Warne’s playing XI – David Warner, D’Arcy Short, Aaron Finch (c), Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson

Warne’s back-ups – Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa, Peter Handscomb, Josh Phillipe, Riley Meredith.

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