'Australia's Champions Trophy winning potential remains strong': Warner undeterred by absence of Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc.

Steve Smith, the experienced leader of the Australian cricket team, has been chosen as the captain for the upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka. Known for his strong leadership skills, it came as no surprise that Smith was given the reins. The decision by Cricket Australia has received widespread praise, with David Warner expressing his confidence in Australia's chances under Smith's captaincy. Despite facing some challenges, Warner believes that Australia has a strong chance of emerging victorious in the tournament.

"Steve Smith leads the team. You've got him there at the moment for the Test. So I think we're somewhat of an experienced head. And I think our chances are still very high. You know, still have to win that World Cup, you know, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Marsh are a big miss, but we've got quality players there that can take and fill those shoes without doubt," said Warner while replying to a Hindustan Times query during a select media interaction.

"So, and then obviously the other thing is, as well as what wickets going to be prepared in Pakistan as well. So there's so many different variations and variables that will have to play a role in that," added Warner, who was a key part in Dubai Capitals's win in the LT20.

'ILT20 allows growth for international players'

Warner played two matches for Dubai Capitals in the third edition of ILT20, registering scores of 93 (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) and 4 (final against Desert Vipers). The former left-handed batter reckons the competition in the UAE is going from strength to strength and allows for thrilling action.

"If you could get a 20-20 competition where you can actually have, you know, 11 players that are in like from international, no matter where you are from in the world. If you have 11 overseas players, a bit like similar to the English Premier League and all that, it'll be ridiculous. I think this is the closest to that. You can have nine international players playing and that would make the competition so strong," said Warner.

"You know, but that's, that's the sign is that you need every nation to participate, right? So how that would ever work, I don't know. I don't, I don't have the answer to that. And clearly the, the Indian players are restricted from playing outside of the IPL. So that's a hard one in itself, but the competition is very strong. I like it. I really enjoy it. And I think it's really, really good for the game because every other home competition, country competition, you can only play four overseas, which what people have to understand, it's about educating and raising your own players in your own backyard as well," he added.

Speaking further, Warner said, "So that's, that's why that's there in place. And I respect that. And I think that's a, good thing. But this competition allows that growth for international players to play. So I think it's, I think it's good in that sense."

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