Disgraced former Australia cricket captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner have been named in their country’s World Cup squad.
Both players also regained their Cricket Australia contracts, less than three weeks after becoming eligible again for international selection after serving 12-month bans for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.
Cameron Bancroft, who was suspended for nine months after using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball in the Test in March 2018, has not been awarded a contract.
The 15-man squad is more notable for its omissions than the inclusion of Smith and Warner.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and batsman Peter Handscomb have both been omitted, as has Mitch Marsh, who was Australia’s Test vice-captain as recently as October.
Despite Smith’s return, Australia will be captained by Aaron Finch as they bid to defend their title in England.
Selection chairman Trevor Hohns said of Smith and Warner’s inclusion: “Both are world-class players and it has been pleasing to see them produce some good form in the IPL.”
Squad: Finch (capt), Khawaja, Warner, Smith, S Marsh, Maxwell, Stoinis, Carey, Cummins, Starc, Richardson, Coulter-Nile, Behrendorff, Lyon, Zampa.
