X marks two key spots: Warne

BY the time Steve Smith and David Warner serve their 12month bans for ball-tampering, Australian cricket will be pleading for their return, says Shane Warne.

The former national team vice-captain believes Australia doesn’t have too many X-factor players, which makes the case stronger for Smith and Warner’s return. “By the time Smith and Warner are ready, Australia will be pleading to have them back, they are two of the top five best batsmen in the world,” Warne said. “Australia desperately need them.”

The former leg-spin guru is promoting his autobiography No Spin, but his comments are timely given Australia’s strug- gles against Pakistan in the first Test in Dubai.

Warne believes Australia lost its “fear factor” the moment England won the 2005 Ashes, but the next series against the old enemy is still delicately poised.

“I think Australia will give England a real run for their money next year,” the 49-yearold said.

“I don’t think England have feared Australia since they won the series in 2005, which they deserved to as the better side. Since then England realised Australia can be beaten.

“Australia haven’t really got too many X-factor players. But I don’t think Australia really fear England too much now either, aside from Jimmy Anderson bowling with the Dukes ball.”

Smith and Warner will be back from their suspensions in time for that series and Warne expects both to regain pivotal roles in Australia’s set-up.