Shane Warne picks his Australia playing XI for ICC World Cup 2019

Australia will have a relatively easier launch to their campaign in the upcoming ICC World Cup as they take on Afghanistan in the first match in Bristol on June 1. Currently ranked No.6 in the ODIs, the reigning world champions will perhaps have their most challenging defending campaign this year but some of their former greats are yet to ready to write the yellow jerseys off. And among them is the legendary spin wizard, Shane Warne.

The 49-year-old recently addressed former England captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter to say that the Kangaroos can still win the trophy this time provided they played brave cricket and not remained conservative as they are doing at the time. Australia have had a series of loss both at home and abroad over the past several months and are trailing 0-1 in the ongoing ODI series against India.

Warne picks Smith and Warner

Warne, who played three World Cups in 1996, 1999 and 2003 and played the finals in all of them and won the title twice, also predicted his playing XI for Australia for the upcoming WC in which teams like England and India are considered favourites. Warne included banned duo of Steve Smith and David Warner in the side, choosing the later as the opening partner of D’Arcy Short. Warne also stuck to Aaron Finch as the captain of the side although the Victoria batsman is witnessing a terrible form with the bat right now.

Thoughts @juniorwaugh349 @MichaelVaughan
Warner
Short
Finch C
Smith
Maxwell
Stoinis
Carey WK
Cummins
Starc
Meredith
Zampa

S. Marsh back when fit. Zampa, Short, Smith & Maxwell spin + 4 seamers with pace/death bowling & a gun fielding team – this team could win the cup

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 3, 2019

Warne’s batting order includes Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and wicket-keeper Alex Carey following the top three in Warner, Short and Finch. The bowlers include pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Riley Meredith who impressed Warne with his pace in the recent Big Bash League besides spinner Adam Zampa.

Shane Warne’s Australia playing XI for World Cup 2019: David Warner, D’Arcy Short, Aaron Finch (C), Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa.

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