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.
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.
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.
jake
Guest
Warner Finch White Smith Clarke/bailey/Maxwell Faulkner Haddin/wade Johnson Pattinson Cummings Beer(not alot of wickets but will give out low runs and dot balls) Handscomb 12th man
Couch Expert
Roar Rookie
Agreed too
Brad Perry
Roar Rookie
Looking closer into Voges career stats, I completely agree that he has been a prolific run scorer. Even his ODI batting average at 45.78 is solid. However, it is hard not to feel that he hasn't fully taken his opportunities at international level, particularly given his talent. Obviously age is his issue now, turning 36 this year. CricInfo describes Voges as a player who 'has been called on regularly without making the impact to guarantee his spot in every game. However, it is a run that he probably didn't expect after choosing to get married early in 2009 instead of joining the team on its tour of South Africa.'
Brad Perry
Roar Rookie
I agree that South Africa has a long tail but its top order is very strong. AB de Villiers (51.50), Hashim Amla (53.18), Quinton de Kock (43.58) and even JP Duminy (39.24). They are all consistent run scorers. Throw in Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell and Vernon Philander and you get what is arguably the best bowling line up in the competition. I think Australia will be up there but will have stiff competition from South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and possibly Pakistan. New Zealand are probably the wild card.
13th Man
Roar Pro
Voges failing to make an impact????? Only the second highest shield run scorer with an average of over 100 this year, scored two half centuries in the BBL and also scored runs in the Matador Cup. not only this but he has captained WA to the matador cup victory and could well be doing the same with the scorchers. Plus he is a very handy spinner. What more does he have to do to make an impact?
13th Man
Roar Pro
Bailey has done well as skipper I see no reason why he cant do it. There is also Steve Smith as well. Bailey is shown he is good enough as a batsman and is in our best XI. Clarke shouldn't be rested. I really think Behrendorff is quality and should have been included, he has well and truly outbowled Cummins in domestic one day cricket and the BBL. this is the side I would have chosen Warner Watson Smith Voges Bailey M Marsh Haddin Faulkner Johnson Behrendorff Lyon
ajay
Guest
so you think south africa is better then australia i don't think so after ab at 5 they have no one to score runs Inconsistent miller parnell?? with 5 tail ? we bat deep and also we have faulkner (44 avz with the bat with 110 st/rate at no.8 with johnson ) we are better then everyone at the moment but don't be overconfident !
Brad Perry
Roar Rookie
With the squad Australia has announced, I think it will be competitive but not worthy of the title. The issue with Australian cricket, particularly in the ODI arena, at the moment is a lack of depth. Many of the players whose names have been floated as potential contributors to Australian ODI cricket are yet to prove themselves on the domestic stage. This lack of depth is no more evident than in the fact that Glenn Maxwell continues to get picked despite being an extremely risky prospect with the bat and unconvincing spin with the ball. Here's my thoughts on the current squad: Michael Clarke - Extremely lucky if he can get his body ready in time for the World Cup and even then has struggled for form in recent times. George Bailey - Inconsistent performer but has done enough to keep his middle order batting spot Pat Cummins - An exciting prospect who is a great selection. Back the young quick and show some confidence in him. Xavier Doherty - He's got Dan Vettori like qualities but just can't seem to make a big impact. In the squad because our spin prospects are very average. James Faulkner - A certain starter who is a handy late order hitter and provides a great change of pace with the ball Aaron Finch - Has produced some scintillating innings and big things will be expected of him in the World Cup Brad Haddin - The days of a keeper being able to produce big scores and keep well are just about gone. We've been blessed with the likes of Gilchrist and Rod Marsh in the past. Haddin is a superb keeper and can turn it on with the bat on an inconsistent basis. Ahead of Wade on his keeping ability alone. Josh Hazlewood - I'm still not convinced that Hazelwood should have been picked ahead of James Pattinson. Mitchell Johnson - Mitch is an X-Factor. Let's hope he can bring his best game during the World Cup. Mitchell Marsh - I like the fact that Marsh bowls medium-fast and adds another dimension to the attack. Can also hit well. Needs to show more consistency. Glenn Maxwell - Throwing Maxwell to the top of the order is a huge risk. Whether Australia is dominating or it's a close game requiring a top order batsman to dig in, unfortunately Maxwell only plays one way. Steve Smith - There's not much more you need to say about this bloke. Definitely earned his keep in all formats. Mitchell Starc - Starc will be handy if the conditions favour bowling, otherwise pencil him in for 60 off 10 overs. David Warner - Warner and Finch provide a pretty entertaining opening partnership. It's just a matter of Warner steadying himself at times. Another player with that X-Factor. Shane Watson - The selectors continue to retain faith in Watson but a failed World Cup will surely be the last straw. In saying that, if Watson can turn it on, Australia will be a major player in the final stages of the Cup. If you look at other names bandied around for potential inclusion into the Squad: Sean Abbott - A young player that continues to improve but too risky a selection for a World Cup. Will see him there in the future once he's got a bit more experience. Ben Cutting - I think there's too many players like Cutting in our current ODI team. He's competing for the all-rounder spot which is taken by the likes of Watson, Faulkner etc. Clint McKay - He seemed to be our leading ODI bowler at one stage but has fallen off the radar. James Pattinson - I really like his pace and aggressive bowling. Disappointing not to see him picked in the squad. Nathan Couter-Nile - Again, he is competing for that all-rounder spot and hasn't lit the world on fire on the domestic scene. Shaun Marsh - Needs to focus on his Test cricket and cement a spot there to finish his career. Adam Voges - Failing to make an impact despite having great domestic experience. Our spin stocks are also worth raising. I feel Doherty has almost been picked by default. Fawad Ahmed was on the radar for a while but he hasn't been outstanding, selectors want Nathan Lyon to focus on Test cricket by the looks of it and young up and comers in Adam Zampa and Cam Boyce may be handy in the future but are too inexperienced to play in a World Cup. Spin could play a major role too if the recent Adelaide and Sydney Tests are anything to go by. Overall, I think the selectors have got it right. Our depth is going to be the telling issue as to whether we can compete with the likes of South Africa.
matth
Guest
Agreed
matth
Guest
The World Cup is not the time to blood two youngsters. Are you seriously saying that Jonathan Wells is in the top 6 one day bats in the country? And is Zampa does not come off what is your spinning plan B? Too risky in my opinion. Show me how Cameron White's ODI record is superior to Bailey's? And speaking of risky, Steven Smith has never captained an ODI. And you want him to learn in the World Cup?
Brett McKay
Expert
Realistically Kev, they were never going to take any risks with the World Cup, and fair enough too. I don't think Doherty will play a lot anyway, and Marsh's point about Clarke bowling more, combined with Maxwell giving then RA offspin is a clear pointer to that ..
Brett McKay
Expert
I must have imagined Bailey essentially single-handedly winning a BBL game against Brisbane ten days ago. 28 off 12 balls, including 18 from 5 balls in the last over to chase down 208 doesn't ring any bells at all? Bailey's one of the best finishers in the game currently!
matt bowyer
Roar Rookie
I have no issue with Behrendorff not being selected. The fast bowlers they have chosen (Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, Johnson) all have very good ODI records. Behrendorff on the other hand has never even played international cricket - probably too big a risk for a World Cup squad and there is no guarantee he would perform any better than those I mentioned previously. Also I think it would be to the detriment of the squad if another left arm bowler was chosen along with Starc, Johnson and Faulkner. Agree that Behrendorff is a great bowler but can't see him playing any better than the other fast bowlers already in the squad. His time will come.
matt bowyer
Roar Rookie
My World Cup first XI would be... Warner, Finch, Watson, Smith (VC), Clarke (C), Faulkner, Haddin, Johnson, Cummins, Lyon, Hazlewood. On the bench I would have Starc, Bailey, Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh. Although Starc is a better one-day bowler than Cummins, I think having three left arm pace bowlers in one team would be too much. Also think Lyon needs to be in there as the spinner ahead of Maxwell - batting is strong enough as it is. Smith needs to be vice captain because Bailey shouldn't be guaranteed a match in his current form. I feel like this squad is the best for balance between bat and ball. Although I would have loved to include Ryan Harris his body just isn't up to it and I still firmly believe Australia would win the World Cup with this squad.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Who has taken the most wickets in the BBL,at the best average and economy of all the quicks in question? Jason Behrendorff Starc,Cummins and Hazlewood don't compare when ODD averages are used and remember in the Matador Cup,WA bowled against the much stronger sides. Oh that's right,WA won- on the back of Behrendorff's bowling.JB for Cummins,on the stats alone,not to mention durability.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I have non issue with Haddin's selection but surely this fallacy that Haddin is the best with the gloves out of all options has got to be put to an end? He's always been an adequate keeper, and a quality batsman. The majority of his spectacular catches come about from not reading the ball early enough and needing to dive and he often drops balls that bounce into his gloves off spin. Not saying he's terrible, but his glove work should not be lauded.
Ram C. Khanal
Roar Rookie
Yes he once was but have you seen his recent form? I have not seen a single convincing innings from Bailey since long time.
ES
Guest
Agree with all these.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
For mine there are only three possible changes: Michael Clarke not selected (see Geoff Lemon's article) and Shaun Marsh included. He can open, he can bat in middle order, he can accelerate and hit well. Nathan Lyon in as the spinner. He's an attacking spinner whereas Doherty is a holding spinner. James Pattinson is a possibility as a paceman, although I think the balance they have selected is correct. A new wicketkeeper is always a possibility (I keep my fingers crossed), but Haddin was never going to be dropped for the world cup.
Vijendran Jayaveerasingam
Roar Rookie
Disagree with Bailey- he is in the first XI comfortably Clarke or no Clarke. He is one of Australia's most dependable ODI batsmen and he can provide late hitting too.