With the bash-fest that is the world cup of T20s coming up, there is just one question that needs to be answered.
Do you want to know the terrifying truth, or do you want to see me sock a few dingers?
The answer, of course, is dingers.
This squad of 15 players has approximately the same chance of actually being selected as the first cup game being called off due to snow. But Mark Waugh, if you’re reading this, you can do a lot better than listen to me.
But hey, what do I know.
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Opening the batting
Dave Warner and Aaron Finch (captain)
Unless the selectors want to give the bull a rest, which he’s more than earned, I think Warner’s an obvious selection.
Finchy has absolutely dominated the shorter form of the game whenever he steps up to the plate, both internationally and domestically, so this pair was a pretty easy selection.
No.3: Chris Lynn, a.k.a. the Brisbane Heat
After being shunned from the one-dayers against India (obviously a ploy to keep him under wraps for the world cup) there’s no way he doesn’t earn the nod here.
He hasn’t put a foot wrong in the BBL so far and has the most brute force strength I’ve seen since the days when Andrew Symonds was shoulder charging streakers. He’ll do just fine.
No.4 Maxy Klinger
The 35-year-old will make his much deserved international debut when the best nations come together in India this year.
Ok now that I’ve finally woken up I realise that probably won’t happen, but a man can dream right?
Look, he averages 38 for his career in all T20 action so this BBL isn’t just a fluke of nature, the guy can play.
Add that he’s got an experienced head on him, maybe not internationally, but still, and I can’t see why not.
No.5 Shaun ‘finished my Test career on a high’ Marsh
Maxy’s partner in crime earned a spot with the ODI squad and on that same form I can’t see why I wouldn’t pick him in the world cup side.
Barring a complete and utter fall from grace during the upcoming India series (the current odds have it at 3:1) you have to pick him on form alone.
No.6 Glenn ‘I look pretty good when I don’t reverse sweep’ Maxwell
Another obvious choice in my opinion. He’s a better player than his 20 average suggests and I think he’s going to prove that in the coming months.
With the tournament in the sub-continent he’s also going to have to bowl four overs a game, that or Finchy gets to roll the arm over (shudders at the thought).
No.7 Matt Wade
This is a very blase selection so let’s just move on to the bowling core.
No.8 James Faulkner
I just love him, like a mother loves a son, if that son can finish international games with bat or ball. He will add a lot of batting depth to this team and as long as he has that slower ball going he’ll be incredibly tough to get away – but now I’m telling you things you already know.
No.9 Jason ‘the better version of Joel Paris’ Behrendorff
This dude is going to be special, if and when he gets his chance.
He’s ripped it up in the BBL the last two years and is one of this team’s out and out wicket takers.
I might be a little worried about whether he can adapt to the Indian conditions, but I say if you’re picking on form, he’s one of the first blokes with a plane ticket.
No.10 George Bradley Hogg
I know, I know, he didn’t really do what we all had hoped last time around and now he’s 44, but call me a believer.
Hoggy will be 80 years old, in a nursing home and still fooling the staff with that wrong-un.
If he fails this time I swear I’m done with him on the international stage, although if you ask me, if he gets picked, he’ll take that tongue all the way to a title.
No.11 Shaun Tait
He looks good right? It’s not just me? Sure he might break down half-through a tournament, but that’s what back-ups are for.
Just imagine it, Tait steaming in at one end and Behrendorff nipping it either way at the other, it’s a thing of beauty.
We all know what he’s capable when he’s at full force,, and while Tait 7.0 might not be what he once was I know there would be a brown trail following me if I ever had to face him.
Reserves (Tait’s reserves)
Mitch Starc: Because let’s bowl him into the ground. (Honestly I forgot about him until now and really like my first XI, so just let me have this one).
John Hastings: One of the worst bowlers to ever play for Australia, until I looked at the list of post-Warne spinners. He has been deadly at the close of innings in the BBL and deserving of a spot.
Michael Beer: It’s India, pick all the spinners (ok, left arm slow).
George Bailey: Will take Marsh’s spot once he does what we all hope he doesn’t.
Andrew Tye doesn’t make the flight, but damn, how good has he been?
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