Steve Smith backs David Warner to return to form after Ashes tribulations

The Australia opener averaged just 9.50 against England and having been informed his place is under threat the Sheffield Shield represents an opportunity to recapture his best form

David Warner can recover from a harrowing Ashes series and cement his place at the top of the Australia Test batting order, according to Steve Smith.

The 32-year-old enjoyed a stellar World Cup following his international return after a year-long ban for his part in the ball-tampering scandal, but was unable to settle against the red ball in England.

He was dismissed eight times for a single figure score - on seven occasions by Stuart Broad - and registered just 95 runs across his 10 innings.

Warner returns to more familiar surroundings with New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, the new season of which starts this week.

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns says all of Australia's players have a clean slate ahead of the new campaign but competition for places for the Test series against Pakistan and New Zealand this summer is expected to be fierce.

But Smith believes Warner can make a return to form as the pressure on his role ratchets up.

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"Obviously Davey had a pretty tough time of it over in England," Smith said.

"Opening the batting over there can be tough - particularly being a left-hander. Broad, Archer they all bowled very well to left-handers so it was going to be tough.

"He's obviously a quality player, we know that. He's got an exceptional record in Australia and he will obviously be looking to get some runs under his belt in the next few weeks.

"He has played lot of cricket now and he knows you can go through those periods and come out the other side. 

"He'll be looking to spend some time in the middle obviously over the next couple of Shield games and play the T20s for Australia and keep finding the grove. I have no doubt he will be fine."

NSW have two Shield matches before Warner is expected back in international action later this month.

Both he and Smith have been included in Australia's T20 squad to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the coming weeks, in what will be their first outings for their country in the format since serving their 12-month bans.