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Australia's future is bright after their recent T20 victories

Jhye Richardson of Australia. (AAP Image/Darren England)
Roar Guru
7th July, 2018
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Irrespective of who wins the final match between Australia and Pakistan, Australia has nailed the critical questions for the coming season.

Firstly, it’s the captaincy in the limited overs format. By leading from the front with the bat and on the field, Aaron Finch is the man to lead the Australian team in ODIs, given his form in limited overs format in the past one year and his recent show of leadership throughout the tournament. To get more out of the explosive opener, he should open the innings than being slotted in the middle order.

Shaun Marsh at number three and Steven Smith at No. 4, to be followed by Glenn Maxwell. The Big Show didn’t enjoy the support from the leadership group before having frequent moments of heat with Darren Lehmann and then captain Steven Smith. But his fifty against Zimbabwe last match and more importantly the x-factors he brings in the team with his bowling and fielding implies captain should give him more responsibilities and let him flourish.

Mitch Marsh as a batting all-rounder is an automatic selection if fit and his all-round show in 2015 limited overs series against England shouldn’t be forgotten. If anything now he is a more experienced and proven performer.

In bowling, it will be the troika of Mitch Starc, Jos Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins if all fit. But Billy Stanlake and AJ Tye have proven themselves as an able replacement should any of them get injured. AJ Tye, in particular, has impressed all over the world with his knuckleball and despite going for more than 100 runs in an ODI against England.

Tye has displayed the character to put the one-off lousy day behind him.

Nathan Lyon wasn’t bad either in two matches he played against England and deserves a longer rope. Between Ashton Agar and Nathan Lyon, Australia has a choice to make to play the lone spinner. But anything it’s their bowling which should be based upon for the final call.

Tim Paine, as good a leader he is, lacks the punch to deliver killer blow in final overs where he is expected to take charge. And his poor outing in ODIs against England is the final nail in the coffin for his ODI career let alone his captaincy.

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Alex Carey showed he has the game to bat in final overs and his keeping was par excellence.

Australia has been troubled by spinners in the middle overs with Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali picking up 24 wickets between them in ODIs but Kangaroos should consider going to old workhorse George Bailey who is still scoring runs consistently and has the experience to tackle spinners as he has proven throughout his careers in matches at subcontinent.

While Australia could lose this small battle but they have been shown the way going forward with right resources and personnel who can carry the mantle of this team in the future.

The future indeed looks bright for Australia if they make logical decisions.

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