Smith, Warner make their return as Australia announce World Cup squad

The Cricket Australia board announced on Monday its 15-men squad for the upcoming World Cup 2019, with former captain and vice captain Steve Smith and David Warner marking their returns to the side.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and middle order batsman Peter Handscomb were omitted from the squad. The Australian squad comprises a five man pace artillery featuring Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Whereas, two spinners in Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon have made into the World Cup squad as well.

Coming to all rounders, the new and improved Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will fill that space. Whereas, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja and captain Aaron Finch will perform their role with the bat, meanwhile, Alex Carey would perform the glovesman duties.

“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," said Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, in a statement, quoted Cricket Australia .

“Unfortunately, from the recent squad which toured India and the UAE, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner and Kane Richardson have made way for the above inclusions [Smith, Warner and Starc], but all three have been included in the Australia A squad for the tour of England,” he added.

Australia’s World Cup squad:

Aaron Finch (Capt), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), 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