Australia’s Smith, Warner named in WC squad, likely to leave IPL teams

Australian batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, who were engulfed in the ball tampering scandal, are likely to leave their respective IPL teams by the end of April in order to attend their national training camp from May 02 after being named into the squad of 15 for the upcoming World Cup beginning May 30 in England and Wales.

Smith and Warner are presently representing Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively in the IPL after serving their 12-month ban for their role scandal.

Cricket Australia said, "The fifteen-player squad for the ICC world cup will assemble in Brisbane for a training camp at the National Cricket Centre on May 2" and added, "The training camp will include three practice matches between Australia XI and New Zealand XI at Allan Border Field."

There are chances that the duo may miss a couple of matches for their respective teams, besides the knockout stage in case the teams make it to the play-offs.

Apart from the two, Seamer Jason Behrendorff and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis were also named in the World Cup squad and are expected to leave Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively by the end of the month to attend the camp.

While Jason is likely to miss two scheduled Mumbai matches on May 02 and May 05 against SRH and Kolkata Knight Riders, however, Stoinis might leave a little early.

Further, pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile, who also plays for RCB, has already been ruled out of the IPL following an injury and South Africa's Dale Steyn has been drafted into the squad.

Defending Champions Australia will play their  opening World Cup match against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.