Steve Smith scores 89 for Australia but David Warner makes duck in second comeback match

Steve Smith and David Warner had contrasting fortunes in their second matches back for Australia since their 12-month suspensions for their role in the ball-tampering scandal.

Smith scored 89 not out from 77 balls to help lead Australia to 277-6 in a practice match against New Zealand at Allan Border Field.

It was Smith's best score in more than two years in a 50-over match.

Smith hit three sixes over mid-off and thumped a straight drive past the bowler early in his innings before increasing his scoring rate in his final eight overs.

Warner, who opened the batting, was out for a six-ball duck when he knocked a simple catch to cover.

Smith and Warner each served a year-long ban for their part in a ball-tampering scandal during a Test match against South Africa at Cape Town in March 2018.

Both players, who returned to limited-overs action in the Indian Premier League last month, are in Australia's World Cup squad and are expected to play a key part in the team's defence of the trophy they won in 2015.

Pace bowler Mitchell Starc, returning from injury, took 2-14 from five overs for Australia, but New Zealand won the match by seven wickets with 16 balls remaining.

Will Young was run out for 130 and captain Tom Latham was 69 not out to guide New Zealand to victory.

Australia won the first of three practice matches on Monday and the last game is on Friday, May 10 as both teams prepare for the World Cup in England starting at the end of the month.