Steve Smith and David Warner have been included in the Aaron Finch-led Australia squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, announced on Monday. The 50-over tournament will take place in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14. Australia will open its World Cup title defence against Afghanistan at the Bristol County Ground on June 1.

The return of Smith and Warner has strengthened the batting line-up of the title defenders. However, the inclusion of big hitters has led to the dropping of in-form batsman Peter Handscomb and Ashton Turner.