Steve Smith and David Warner return to Australia squad after ball-tampering bans

Former captain Smith and Warner were suspended for a year due to their roles in the plan to manipulate the ball using sandpaper during last March’s third Test against South Africa

The duo have played in this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL) (Getty)

Batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner have been named in Australia’s World Cup squad, marking their return to the national team following bans over the ball-tampering scandal.

Former captain Smith and Warner were suspended for a year due to their roles in the plan to manipulate the ball using sandpaper during last March’s third Test against South Africa.

Now the duo, who have played in this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL), will return to the international stage in the tournament in England and Wales, which starts on 30 May.

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.”

Australia have also named spinners Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon in the squad alongside Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Jhye Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Peter Handscomb, who scored his maiden one-day hundred in India last month, and Josh Hazlewood are among the big names to have missed out on a spot.

“Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson have both been named subject to fitness,” Hohns said.

“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 for the above inclusions, but all three have been included in the Australia A squad for the tour of England.”

Fast bowler Hazlewood has been trying to recover from a back injury which has kept him on the sidelines since January and could still be selected for the Ashes series starting at Edgbaston in August.

“Josh Hazlewood has also been named in the Australia A squad,” Hohns added.

“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.”

Australia’s opening World Cup match will be against Afghanistan on June 1.

Smith and Warner have also been added to Cricket Australia’s 2019-20 contracted player list, which was released shortly after the World Cup squad announcement.

Australia’s World Cup squad: Aaron Finch (c), 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.

PA