Cricket World Cup: Warner back from baby's birth for Aussies

If David Warner's performances post his last two children's arrivals are anything to go by, South Africa - and the Black Caps - should be on high alert.

Warner returned to Australia's World Cup camp on Thursday (NZ time) ready to begin his preparations for the Proteas on Sunday.

The left-hander was the only player missing from the optional training session at Old Trafford, as he travelled from London to Manchester after the birth of his third daughter.

However, he wont miss any games as Australia enter the business end of their title defence.

And if his dominating form at the World Cup wasn't sign enough he'll be ready to go, Warner's history is.

After the birth of his first child, Ivy Mae, in 2014 he hit a century in his first test match that followed. In 2016 when Indi Rae was born, he hit scores of 93 and 122 for Australia in the next two one-dayers he played.

"Hopefully some more success can follow after his third," team-mate Glenn Maxwell said.

Warner's ability to switch on when he returns to field is no doubt helped by the fact he's accustomed to light build-ins to matches.

He is a noted non-trainer the day before games, dissimilar to the likes of Steve Smith and Aaron Finch who spend hours in the nets.

"He's still a hard trainer," Maxwell said.

"You've seen him go through a few different training methods - he's had the headphones in listening to music.

'He was batting in sunnies the other day at Lord's. he's always trying something new.

"He's been unbelievable for us, his success up the top with Finchy has been a key to getting us where we are in this tournament."

Warner remains the third highest scorer in the tournament, with 516 runs at 73.71. Finch is just 12 behind him, in fourth.

Australia will finish first with a win over South Africa. That will set up a likely semifinal clash with New Zealand in Manchester next week.

A loss, however, could mean a far more difficult path for Australia, assuming India beat Sri Lanka.

They would travel to Birmingham for a semifinal against England at Edgbaston, and have just a three-day turnaround into the final if they prevail.

"The incentive to finish top would be great," Maxwell said.

"To get as much time as you can in one place, you don't have to pack your bags again.

"To have that at this end of the tournament would be nice."