Former Australia skipper gives the nod to Warner at the top of the order and can't find a spot for in-form Khawaja in his best XI
Chappell favours Warner over Khawaja
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell believes explosive opener David Warner must partner skipper Aaron Finch at the top of the order during the upcoming World Cup.
Warner's return from suspension has provided Australia selectors with a selection dilemma of sorts, with a plethora of batting options now available among the 15-man squad for the 50-over showcase in England and Wales later this year.
Usman Khawaja's form while opening in 2019 has been excellent with the left-hander having scored five half centuries and reached triple figures on two occasions already from 10 innings since being promoted to the top of the order alongside Finch at the start of March.
With Finch's place as opener seemingly safe, it means Khawaja and Warner are battling it out for one spot at the top of the Australian battling lineup and Chappell has no doubt who should get the nod.
"Warner should step straight back to the opening partnership with skipper Aaron Finch," Chappell wrote in his column in News Limited newspapers.
"Any suggestion of Warner moving down the order is illogical.
"You don’t waste the psychological advantage the dynamic left-hander provides at the top of the order.
"As an opener, Warner makes opposing bowlers and captains nervous, and that is an advantage you don’t squander."
Chappell expects Steve Smith to bat at first drop during the World Cup, with veteran Shaun Marsh edging out Khawaja for the number four position.
"Khawaja's best value is as an opener, and therefore I’d bat Marsh at four, followed by allrounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis," Chappell added.
"That leaves Alex Carey to handle the wicketkeeping duties, followed by four frontline bowlers."
Just who those four frontline bowlers will be are not clear cut for Chappell, although he thinks Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are first picked if fit.
"Pat Cummins is a must, as is a fully fit Mitchell Starc," he said.
"The third fast bowling spot will be a choice between Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff.
"Adam Zampa’s recent surge of form should see him rated as the first choice spinner. But with the likelihood the pitches will suffer from fatigue in the latter the tournament, Nathan Lyon could be included if a dual spin attack is considered the best option."
Australia's World Cup campaign commences against Afghanistan on June 1.
2019 World Cup
Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
May 25: (warm-up) England v Australia, Southampton
May 27: (warm-up) Australia v Sri Lanka, Southampton
June 1: Afghanistan v Australia, Bristol (D/N)
June 6: Australia v West Indies, Trent Bridge
June 9: India v Australia, The Oval
June 12: Australia v Pakistan, Taunton
June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval
June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge
June 25: England v Australia, Lord's
June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)
July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)
July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford
July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston
July 14: Final, Lord's
For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE