A year ago, Australia were in a serious crisis. They had lost their two best players in David Warner and Steven Smith. Many at that point had predicted them to bow out in the group stage of the 2019 World Cup. This view was reinforced by their abysmal ODI form between June 2017 and March 2019 which consisted of only 4 wins out of 26. But people had forgotten that this was the Aussie team they were talking about. They have won the World Cup title five times, and this is a team which thrives in challenging environments and relishes the big occasion. True to their reputation, the Australians picked themselves up and in the last few months, managed huge triumphs over India and Pakistan. In those series, they were able to fill some gaps in their squad left by absence of their two main players. Now with the return of Steve Smith, David Warner as well as Mitchell Starc, Australia look as strong as ever and are arguably the most balanced team in the World Cup. This has also serves as a reminder for the whole world, if it needed reminding that Australia are and have always been serious contenders for the World Cup. 

By Ibtihaj Majeed (25th May, 2019)

Strengths:

Pace bowling has been Australia’s strength for some time. This time, it is no different. Pat Cummins has established himself in the past few months as one of the best LOI bowlers in the world. Giving him the new ball was a masterstroke as he possesses the pace and skill to pick up early wickets which will be key in the World Cup due to the abundance of hard-hitting openers on flat tracks. Let's also not forget Mitchell Starc, the top wicket-taker of the 2015 World Cup. His ability to bowl at express pace and reverse the ball will be an asset in these batting friendly conditions. It's then fair to assume that with the prospect of Starc and Cummins opening the bowling, there should be plenty of early scalps for Australia. It is not just pace bowling though, Adam Zampa’s wrist spin is equally as important in bringing important breakthroughs in the middle overs. The spinner has improved a lot and has the tendency to take big wickets which he did in case of Virat Kohli during the India series. Australia will continue to expect more crucial scalps from him. 


Weaknesses:

Australia may struggle due to the fact they will most likely have to field 10 overs from Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell. This is concerning for them as despite the world class bowling attack they possess, this could be exploited by the opposition. What is of even greater concern to Australia is the lack of firepower towards the death overs. Glenn Maxwell provides a reliable hitting option, but Stoinis’ lack of form has been alarming. Since that breath-taking hundred against New Zealand, he has not kicked on and there has been a lack of consistency from him. In 2019, he averages 30 with a strike rate of 81 which should be much better for a player who is known to be destructive. Australia will hope that Stoinis regains form to provide the charge towards the last few overs of their batting efforts and gives the innings the push it requires.


Players to watch:

The world will be watching Steve Smith very carefully as his presence in a line-up with many destructive players will be crucial in case of a collapse. He is a man for the big occasion as highlighted by his match winning performances in 2015 World Cup and a lot will be expected from him. 

David Warner, his partner in crime is also back after another successful IPL stint where he was in top form. There will be an expectation from him to score quick hundreds to propel Australia to a big score and how well Warner does will define Australia's success in the World Cup.

An improved player who is in rich form, Usman Khawaja had memorable series against India and Pakistan. His ability to score big makes him a valuable component of their squad and he perfectly balances the strength provided by Aaron Finch at the top of the innings.

Nathan Coulter Nile is categorised as a support bowler, but he is what can only be described as an underappreciated player due to the pace and success of the other pace bowlers. If he gets his game right, he will be used to provide some control with the ball and is also a useful lower order hitter.


Prediction:

Australia are sure fire favourites to get into the semi-finals at the very least. Anything less will be considered a failure considering the squad that they possess.


Full squad:

Aaron Finch (c)
Usman Khawaja
David Warner
Steve Smith
Shaun Marsh
Glenn Maxwell
Marcus Stoinis
Alex Carey (vc)
Pat Cummins (vc)
Mitchell Starc
Kane Richardson
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Jason Behrendorff
Nathan Lyon
Adam Zampa

Discuss!