AT ONE point this year, you could have made a strong case that Australia were barely worth calling dark horses to retain their title, such had been their lack of form since lifting the trophy on home soil.

By Paul Eddison

Man on a mission: Steve Smith is back and ready to make up for lost time after a year in the wilderness
PICTURE: Getty Images

Yet from 2-0 down away in India, the Australians produced a dramatic turnaround to win 3-2 and with Steve Smith and David Warner now back in the fold, confidence has been restored. It helps when you have fastbowling stocks...