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Warne upbeat over Aussie chances

Aussie legend Shane Warne insists his country's recent poor form means little and he expects them to be 'fine' in the World Cup.

Australia followed their whitewash of England in The Ashes with a disappointing end to their one-day campaign but, amid concerns the team could continue to struggle in the Caribbean, Warne is confident his country will justify being among the favourites for the tournament.

Warne, who retired from Test cricket as its leading wicket-taker in January, said: "I don't have any doubts whatsoever about the Australian side.

"They'll be fine. They've still been making 350, so if they keep making those sort of scores I'm sure they'll be okay.

"If they can sort a few little issues out and get their team right - the one they want in terms of selections - get their bowling right in the middle periods and in the end I'm sure they'll be fine."

Many pundits believe Warne will be a big miss for the defending champions, with question marks over their bowling going into the tournament.

In the spin legend's absence, Nathan Bracken is 3.6 favourite to finish the World Cup as Australia's leading wicket taker.

Veteran Glenn McGrath is next best in the market at 4.4, while all-rounder Shane Watson is trading at 4.5 and Mitchell Johnson is available at 6.6.

• Cricket
• Australia Cricket