The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Balancing youth and experience in our World Cup squad

Roar Guru
19th November, 2014
Advertisement
Mitchell Johnson won't be getting the call-up to the Aussie T20 side. (AFP PHOTO / JEKESAI NJIKIZANA)
Roar Guru
19th November, 2014
11

Once every four years one day cricket becomes important again thanks to the World Cup.

That is the case this year, with the World Cup set to take place in Australia and New Zealand in the early part of 2015.

This means that the Australian selectors are using the current series against South Africa to finalise their squad.

In this article I am going to run through who I believe should be in the squad for the tournament.

Michael Clarke (C)
With many people calling for Clarke to give up the 50-over format, the World Cup on home soil would be the perfect way for him to farewell limited overs cricket.

The timing of the tournament works perfectly if Clarke was to get injured again because there would three months until the 2015 Ashes tour.

Brad Haddin (VC)
Although this man is currently in a race against time to be fit for the first Test, he should be pencilled in as our wicketkeeper for the World Cup.

His smoothness with the gloves and his versatility with the bat makes him an asset.

Advertisement

David Warner
One of the most dynamic players in world cricket, Warner is a crucial player if Australia are to challenge for the trophy.

His ability to take a game away from the opposition inside ten overs means he’s a certain member of the squad.

Aaron Finch
Finch is close behind Warner when it comes to power.

Like Warner, Finch’s ability to win a game off his own bat means he will cause some serious problems for opposition bowlers.

George Bailey
One of the elder statesman of the national one day side, George Bailey has become a pivotal part of the team.

His versatility with the bat, along with his leadership in the possible absence of Clarke means he is a must in the squad.

Steve Smith
While he could be captaining the Test team in the coming weeks, Smith will be hoping that his name will be in the World Cup squad.

Advertisement

His ability to bat through the middle overs and rotate the strike, along with his ability to play spin, should see him in.

Shane Watson
One of the most naturally gifted cricketers in the world could be our most important player in the tournament.

Batting at number three as well of bowling at least seven or eight overs a game means that he will be busy, but if his body holds up then the sky is the limit.

Mitch Marsh
The current wiz kid of Australian cricket, Marsh has proven over past six months that the selectors need him in the World Cup squad.

Similar to Watson with his power hitting along with his ability to bowl ten solid overs has him primed for a World Cup start.

Glenn Maxwell
When you talk about match winners, Maxwell is the definition with his freakish ability in every aspect of the game.

While his lack of maturity gets the better of him sometimes, there would be a public outcry if ‘The Big Show’ was left out of the squad.

Advertisement

Mitch Johnson
Now the leader of the Aussie attack, Mitch Johnson will have a big role to play throughout this summer.

His recent good form in the 50-over format suggests he is set to tear the World Cup apart.

Josh Hazlewood
Has the potential to destroy opposition batting line-ups. His height and ability to swing the ball means that he can make things happen even on flat pitches and this makes him an valuable asset to any captain.

Mitchell Starc
Even though he has become a bit of a whipping boy for selectors over recent years, Mitch Starc would definitely be in my World Cup squad.

When you combine height with the ability to swing the ball you have a bowler that can cause headaches for opposition batsmen.

Nathan Coulter-Nile
A recent favourite of the national selectors has been Nathan Coulter-Nile, and the young man has repaid the faith shown in him.

A freakish athlete, he can bowl first, hit hard and field well, so on home soil you would have to think that the selectors will have this guy in there somewhere.

Advertisement

Xavier Doherty
While many people see this guy as a boring bowler, Xavier Doherty has become Australia’s best 50-over spinner.

His ability to hold up an end and restrict the run rate all but guarantees that he will be the only spinner in the squad.

While many things could change between now and February, I see this as the best possible squad for Australia to take into the World Cup.

close