Many Aussies have been standouts in the World Cup in the past, and a few come to mind.
Ricky Ponting’s win-loss record of 92 per cent as captain, Adam Gilchrist’s ridiculous amount of catches – 52 to be exact. The unforgettable year of 2007 where Glenn McGrath took 26 wickets and not to mention Steve Waugh’s heroic hundred to win the tournament in 1999.
None of these players will be playing this time round, so who will lead the stats for the Aussies this World Cup?
Highest run scorer – Steve Smith
Given his rich vein of form, it would be surprising for Smith to not top this list. From his last seven ODIs pre-World Cup he’s had an average of 94.
Pair that with his strike rate over the same time period of 97 and you have a mass destruction player capable of big totals. And big totals constantly. In those seven innings he showed both the ability to score quick runs (73* from 55 balls) and also the ability to build a longer innings when Australia needed some steadying. (Editor’s note: Smith scored five in the opener against England).
Most boundaries – Glenn Maxwell
If Maxwell gets his eye in he’ll be hard to stop. Coming off a confidence booster of 95 against England in the Tri-Series final, as well as a commanding 66 from 40 balls Maxwell will hope that his run of form continues. With his unorthodox shots the fielders won’t stop him from hitting big.
He has a massive 63 fours and seven sixers from the past year. Twenty of those fours and five of those sixes came in one knock, opponent Zimbwambe being thrashed all around the ground with pull shots, hooks, reverse sweeps, flicks, drives and delicate ramp shots. (Editor’s note: Maxwell hit 11 boundaries against England).
Most wickets – Mitchell Starc
Man of the Series for the Aussies after two man of the match performances, yielding results of 4/42 and 6/43. With his deadly inswinging yorkers at 150 kilometres he’ll leave many batsmen shaking their heads while walking off, starting at the bails lying on the ground.
This isn’t his only asset, and with his ability to tear through top, middle and lower order batsmen well known, many teams will be wary to not get this bowler fired up. (Editor’s note: Starc took two wickets against England).
So who’s going to stand out for the Aussies? Who will be the difference between the Australians winning or losing. Will it be their captain’s leadership? Some Brad Haddin mastery behind the stumps? Or perhaps Mitchell Johnson will take 26 wickets?
I have a couple of ideas – what about you Roarers?
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