Australian selectors have officially chosen the 15-man squad that will represent us at the Twenty20 World Cup later this year.
There is high hopes for this squad as our performances in T20s have been well below par since the last World Cup in 2010.
The squad will be led by Tasmania’s George Bailey, who has only been in the job since last summer.
Along with Bailey, our batting stocks will include both Mike and David Hussey, Cameron White and dynamo David Warner.
Australia will head into the World Cup with a quality stock of all-rounders including Dan Christian, Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell and Dave Hussey, who could also come under the all-rounder category.
Keeping duties will be handled by Matthew Wade, who seems to be conquering everything put in front of him in all forms of the game.
Along with the all-rounders, the selectors have named a very strong bowling outfit. The spin bowling duties will be taken 41-year-old Brad Hogg and limited overs specialist Xavier Doherty.
The fast bowling brigade will be led by the experience of Clint McKay and Ben Hilfenhaus, who will help guide Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc through the tournament.
It will be interesting to see how this squad goes as T20 is a format where anything can happen on any given day.
Twenty20 World Cup Squad: George Bailey (captain), Shane Watson (vice-captain), Dan Christian, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hogg, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Cameron White.
Matt F
Roar Guru
Can't argue with any that. Doherty has an awful T20 record. As you say, he's not even the best T20 player in his BBL team! Steve O'Keefe has a better bowling record in the format and has the added advantage of being able to bat.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Geez, Cameron White doesn't have to do too much to get back into the team. Couple of OK games for Northants and suddenly he's selected to play for Australia?!?!?!?
Marcus Taylor
Roar Rookie
Even though I am a Tasmanian fan, Doherty has a very average domestic T20 record (ave 43, S/R 33). There are surely more effective spinning options in Australia. Even though he is not world-class, Steve O'Keefe did not do a lot wrong when given the chance at international level, and has a stronger record at domestic T20 level. As strange as it sounds, Jason Krejza has been a far more effective T20 spinner than Doherty. Hilf's domestic T20 record is very good, and in limited domestic opportunities, has proven his worth.
Chop
Guest
Doherty has a good record in T20, I can't explain it either.... I think they'll struggle, Australian cricket is not strong at the moment and this will expose it more.
AndyMack
Guest
"a very strong bowling outfit".... really...??? doubt the other leading countries will be too worried about Hilfy and Xavier.