Disgraced pair in Aussie World Cup squad

Former captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner were yesterday named in Australia’s squad for the World Cup after completing 12-month bans for ball tampering.

Both players also regained their Cricket Australia contracts as the country’s new list of contracted players was announced – less than three weeks after becoming eligible for international selection again after bans imposed for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Young batsman Cameron Bancroft, who was suspended for nine months after using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball in the third test against South Africa in March 2018, has not received a contract.

The 15-man World Cup squad named yesterday is more notable for its omissions than the expected inclusion of Smith and Warner. While banned from international cricket, the pair was still able to play in professional leagues overseas, and Warner has been in outstanding form in the Indian Premier League.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who has a back injury, and batsman Peter Handscomb have both been omitted from the squad.

Despite Smith’s return, Australia will be captained by Aaron Finch in their World Cup defence, with the selectors having flagged they would continue with the man who has led the country in one-dayers in Smith’s absence.

Handscomb was seen to have a strong case for selection as he averaged more than 40 in 13 matches last year and offers wicketkeeping coverage.

Pacemen Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff are among the surprise inclusions.

Mitch Marsh, who was Australia’s test vice-captain as recently as October, has been omitted and has lost his CA contract.