After demolishing the Kiwis 3-0 to regain the Chappell-Hadlee trophy, the Australian one day team looks pretty good.
Pat Cummins made a successful return from injury, Steve Smith and Dave Warner proved why they are considered two of the best batsmen in the world, Travis Head proved that he’s ready for international cricket and Mitch Marsh proved that he can bat – against the white ball anyway.
It had been a difficult summer of cricket for Australia, particularly with the red ball. However the Aussies are masters of the 50-over game and it showed in the way they dominated their Trans-Tasman rivals.
Despite the success of the team, two of Australia’s batsman didn’t perform, George Bailey and Aaron Finch. Finch’s scores of 0, 19 and 3 are embarrassing numbers for and opening batsman. George Bailey didn’t do much better.
Australia’s best option to partner Warner at the top of the order is Tasmanian wicketkeeper Tim Paine. While Paine’s form in first class cricket has declined over the past few years his form in one day cricket has been superb.
Paine has averaged more than 40 in each of the past four domestic one day competitions. His batting has been brilliant, his keeping has been excellent and he is a far more reliable wicketkeeper than Matthew Wade is.
The in-form Usman Khawaja is a no brainer at three while Steve Smith should move down to 4. Head should bat at 5 ahead of Mitch Marsh at 6. Leaving out Wade would allow Faulkner who averages 36 at ODI level to move up to 7, with the rest of the line up consisting of Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa.
This side would give Australia seven genuine bowling options.
Australia’s best ODI XI would look like this:
Warner
Paine
Khawaja
Smith
Head
M.Marsh
Faulkner
Starc
Cummins
Hazlewood
Zampa
What do you think Roarers, could this team be successful?
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