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Can you pick a better World Cup squad?

Glenn 'Rocks and Diamonds' Maxwell will always bring the surprises. (AAP Image/Mark Dadswell)
Roar Rookie
12th January, 2015
23

Australian selectors the other day announced the 15-man World Cup squad to be captained by Michael Clarke, with George Bailey as his deputy.

Although fans across the world questioned the inclusion and exclusion of some players, here is an analysis on why the selectors could not have picked a better World Cup squad.

Captaincy
The selection of currently injured and highly injury-prone Michael Clarke as captain provoked enormous roaring of fans across the globe labelling the selectors retrograded. Clarke’s inclusion may show a hint of favouritism but who would you pick for the captaincy if not Clarke?

George Bailey’s performance lately would not even warrant him a place in the XV man squad had it not been for his leadership skills. Clarke’s classy century against India despite a non-motile body in the Adelaide Test was a reminder of his class, talent and experience he brings in the team.

Although I am a big fan of Steve Smith and his leadership skills, his lack of experience captaining ODI means that giving him captaincy can be a gamble. Furthermore, Smith’s frustration and impatience in the field at the MCG showed that he is no machine and can thus feel the pressure of captaincy, although it was not reflected in his performance with the bat. Allowing Smith to play freely without the added burden of captaincy is the best way to reward his outstanding form.

Batsmen
David Warner can automatically walk into any World Cup squad as an opening batsman. His undisputed talent and destructive batting skills is evident in his short career stats and therefore he is not replaceable at the current time.

Although Aaron Finch’s recent form in the Big Bash League would not convince his inclusion in the squad, his ability to smash the ball in all parts of the ground makes him a match winner, and this was evident in his recent knock against South Africa in Canberra.

Furthermore, we all know how Finch smashed Poms into all parts scoring the world record 156 at the strike rate of 248 in the T20 international match in 2013. Warner and Finch together make the most formidable opening partnership in the world.

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Shane Watson’s inclusion in the XV man squad may have irked many despite his recent form against India. However, his tight bowling performance combined with crucial wickets must not be forgotten. His stats speak volumes about his ability in the short form of the game and he is overdue for a return to form with the bat. His value to the team is much more than what we perceive and no one has really raised their hands to jump into his shoes.

Steve Smith, take a bow. It would not be unfair to call you a run-machine for what you have done against the Indians. More of the same please.

Wicketkeeper
In the recent ODI series against South Africa, Matthew Wade showed that he could bat but this glimmer of hope didn’t last with his recent campaign at the BBL. Brad Haddin on the other hand showed that he still has the most magnetic gloves among all the wicketkeepers the country has produced.

Although his batting was a big concern, his partnership with Smith at the MCG shows that he can actually bat like he once used to. Tim Ludeman may have been the most talked wicketkeeper-batsman based on his current form at the BBL but his average and lack of international experience does not warrant him a place in the World Cup. Trust the selectors, Haddin once again will be the saviour he once was when the Poms were whitewashed for a 5-0 loss during the Ashes.

All-rounders
Glenn Maxwell recently left the first ball as a number three batsman against the Brisbane Heat in the BBL with a brain freeze – earning him more popularity. It didn’t stop the great Adam Gilchrist to say that it was the most extraordinary dismissal he had ever seen in the game.

Maxwell was soon labelled ‘no show’ and ‘liability’ rather than the ‘Big Show’. However, his knock the other night against the Renegades ironically showed how he can be a match winner too.

Furthermore, his off-break spin bowling is a big plus for a squad with rather less spin options. Therefore, like the head of selectors Rod Marsh said, “Maxi is Maxi”. He might let the team down for a time or two but will surely win at least a match or two – he is one of a kind. At the end of the day, who hasn’t gone for a duck? Maxwell needs to be encouraged to be patient and play with the greater versatility that we all know what he can bring to the table.

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Mitch Marsh’s power hitting made Dale Steyn look like a kid during the Zimbabwe tri-series and his quick fire 40 during Adelaide Test displayed that he is there when it matters. His ability to bowl makes him a very reliable all-rounder who will go on to make Watson hang in the tail while he flies the plane.

James Faulkner’s ability to finish superbly under a great deal of pressure has earned him a comparison to India’s MS Dhoni and his ability to bowl like a full-time bowler makes him a true asset.

Bowlers
The destroyer, Mitchell Johnson, will prove once again why he was the ICC Cricketer of the Year, although he couldn’t quite replicate his Ashes heroics during the Australia-India Test series. But trust this guy, he will justify his popularity.

Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood’s inclusions are the best thing that’s happened for the Aussie squad. The pace and accuracy they produce will stun the opponents and they will prove to be match winners for the Aussies. Xavier Doherty – I am not sure if he is the best spin bowling option we have, I would have picked Nathan Lyon.

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