Both Smith and Warner will use the showpiece to restore their credentials after their role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, made a cheeky sledge at Australia captain Aaron Finch during a team captains' reception at the Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

The defending champions could not have asked for a better preparation going into the World Cup as they won both their warm-up games against England and Sri Lanka.

Australia may have had a year to forget in 2018, but the side picked the form as the World Cup inched closer. With Steve Smith and David Warner back in the team, Australia are a force to reckon with.

Former Australia captain Mark Waugh picked Kohli as his No.1 choice while Buttler and Finch finished second and third respectively.

Ponting who is a dual World Cup-winning captain and three-times trophy winner will be there as a specialist coach with the Australian team for the showpiece event.   

Australian captain Aaron Finch has stated that his side is confident of a successful outing at the World Cup.

Back after a year's suspension for his involvement in ball-tampering scandal, Smith was scratchy during 2019 IPL but found his mojo back with unbeaten 89 and 91 against New Zealand.

Both Smith and Warner, who have returned to the national team after serving their bans, have shown form just ahead of the quadrennial event, which is a huge confidence booster for Australia. 

The team will go into the World Cup on the back of series victories against India and Pakistan.

Aaron Finch missed out on an opportunity to become the first Australian to hit three consecutive ODI hundreds but his 90 off 136 balls anchored the world champions to 266-6.

Finch's 13th ODI century led Australia to its second successful chase at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in three days after the visitors had won the first match by eight wickets.

Finch was happy his team continued its fine ODI form from India, where it won the series 3-2 earlier this month.

Australia captain Aaron Finch said that he is ready to bat at whatever number the team needs him in the upcoming 2019 World Cup.

Australia first beat India 2-0 in the two-match T20 Series and have now pulled off a 3-2 series win after being 0-2 down. 

The hosts won the first two contest before suffering a 32-run defeat in Ranchi and another win will seal the series with one game to go.

Out of four times, Australia have only won once at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.  

Australia leg-spinner backed his captain Aaron Finch to return to form with the bat soon as he is a world class player and is high on morale.

Finch was put on the hot seat after Smith and Warner were suspended on charges of ball tampering, however, since then his performances with the bat has taken a beating.

Skipper Finch also praised Maxwell for his impressive batting display during the T20I series against India.