Waugh feels teams will be wary of Australia: Here's why
Former Australian cricket team captain Steve Waugh has stated that the return of David Warner and Steve Smith makes the side fearsome opponents going into the ICC World Cup 2019. The two cricketers made their return after serving a 12-month ban for their involvement in a ball-tampering scandal against South Africa last year. Notably, both these players had a great IPL campaign. Here's more.
Warner and Smith could lift the Aussies
Warner was seen in supreme form in the Indian Premier League 2019. He won the Orange Cap for scoring the most number of runs. The southpaw is expected to open the innings in the World Cup. Smith also looked in good touch in IPL 12. He then showed his class in the warm-up encounters against New Zealand XI. The two can lift the side.
Every side will be wary of Australia: Waugh
Waugh stated that teams will know the potential of Australia. "Every side will be wary of Australia. They know the potential of the Australian side. There's been turmoil in Australian cricket over the last 12 months, but that has been put aside now. We've got our best players available to be picked in Smith and Warner," Waugh said to the ICC's official website.
Australia have the momentum with them
Australia may have struggled to find impetus in ODIs since 2017, but the two big series victories against India and Pakistan will give them enough confidence. They played a strong brand of cricket and there were many positives for them. Aussies go into the World Cup being unbeaten in eight matches. Australia have the momentum with them and could cause problems for teams.
'Smith, Warner's return is ominous for other sides'
"Their form was very poor, but all of a sudden, they've won their last eight matches, and they've got Smith and Warner in the team. And that is ominous for other sides, they know how good these sides are," the former Aussie skipper added.
How did these two perform in the 2015 World Cup?
Smith and Warner played massive roles for Australia in the 2015 World Cup victory. They bagged the highest runs for Australia. Smith amassed 402 runs at an average of 67.00. Warner provided immense support with 345 runs at an average of 49.28. So when it comes to a tournament like World Cup, both these players know how to handle pressure.
