Smith, Warner return to Aussie T20 side as World Cup looms

Steve Smith and David Warner return to the short format Sunday in the first of Australia's three games against a buoyant Sri Lanka, with both tipped for next year's Twenty20 World Cup at home.

The star batsmen were both banned for a year for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal but have rejoined their country's Test, one-day and now T20 sides.

Despite their success in other formats, Australia have never won a T20 World Cup, with a 2010 final appearance their best showing.

The competition gets underway Down Under next October and selectors are banking on the same 14 picked to play Sri Lanka forming the bulk of their side.

"We have looked to put a squad together that we think can take us through to that tournament," said national selector Trevor Hohns.

"The squad we have selected is quite role specific and we believe it gives us the flexibility to thrive in all match conditions."
- 'It will bode well' -
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"And if you perform well on this tour, there will be a good chance of those players making it to the World Cup as well."