Warner-Smith Duo Have Spearheaded Australia's Resurgence As Formidable Force In International Cricket

Much to Australia's good fortune, the ever dependable Warner-Smith duo came back just in time to be part of their World Cup squad and boost their credentials as hot contenders for lifting the trophy for a record extending sixth time.

A little under two years ago, Australian cricket was struck with a major crisis with two of their mainstays - David Warner and Steve Smith handed ICC bans for ball tampering in the Cape Town Test against South Africa. The sandpaper scandal had rocked the pillars of Australian cricket and their once impeccable image had taken a major dent in the international cricket. To make things worse for the 'Kangaroos', the timings of the incident came as a major setback to the defending champions preparations for the 2019 ICC World Cup. Such was the damaging impact of Warner and Smith's forced hiatus that the 'Baggy' Greens batting lineup looked just about average and far from excellent. In Warner and Smith's absence, Australia's form in the Test and T20 arena wobbled while their ODI form looked pretty steady with seasoned campaigners in Aaron Finch, Glen Maxwell, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins producing some match winning results. Australia's down-slide in red ball cricket started with a 1-3 defeat to South Africa in the controversial Test series, followed by 0-1 defeat to Pakistan in UAE and a massive 1-2 upset by India on Australia's home turf. In T20Is, they were trounced 0-3 by Pakistan and handed a 0-1 by India. Australia being handed their first ever  defeat on home soil by Kohli-led India in 70 years was one of their lowest moments in red ball cricket. The Australian Test batting lineup of Matthew Harris, Aaaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Shaun Marsh could just not hold up against the potent Proteas and Indian seam attacks. However, the Aussies were down but not out. They came out all guns blazing in the Ashes against arch rivals England courtesy a spectacular batting display by ban returned Steve Smith, who notched up a mammoth 774 runs laced with 3 tons to almost single handedly help the Kangaroos draw the 5 match series 2-2. Australia were in pretty decent form heading into the World Cup with bilateral  series wins over India (3-2) and a whitewash over Pakistan (5-0) . However, they were rated favorites behind hosts England, New Zealand and India for lifting the ICC World Cup Trophy. Much to Australia's good fortune, the ever dependable Warner-Smith duo came back just in time to be part of their World Cup squad and boost their credentials as hot contenders for lifting the trophy for a record extending sixth time. What followed was there for everyone to witness. Warner led the opening salvo with Aaron Finch and Smith spearhead a powerful middle order to play pivotal role in powering the defending champions into the last four stages of the showpiece event. With the pace of Starc and Cummins firing on all cylinders, Australia progressed to the semifinals of the World Cup, only to lose out to arch rivals England. Warner smashed 647 runs and Smith notched up 379 runs with the willow in a memorable campaign which saw Australia dominate the league stages of the tournament. Post their World Cup heroics, the duo have not stopped and have been the architects of the Australia's batting heroics in the recently concluded T20 series against Sri Lanka, which they clean swept 3-0. Warner rediscovered his glorious form and blazed away to 217 runs in the series without even getting dismissed. Australia have crawled  their way back to the top half in top flight cricket after their good showing in the 2019 ICC World Cup and the Ashes. The latest ICC Team rankings places Australia at 5th in Test, 4th in ODIs and 2nd in T20Is. The remarkable comeback of Warner and Smith has ensured that the 'Yellow  Brigade' are once again looking to be a force to reckon with and if they continue with their winning habit , they would be strong contenders to win the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup on their home soil.