For starters, the Australians have three world-class opening batsmen in David Warner, Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja – a good problem to have.
But which two walk through the gate together can mean the difference in retaining the World Cup, or not.
The current decision has been made difficult by Warner’s 12-month suspension where Finch and Khawaja averaged 81.70 as an opening pair. Khawaja has scored the most ODI runs in the world this year with 739 at 59.15 and Finch the second highest with 634 at 52.83.
Mighty impressive figures in Warner’s enforced absence.
But Warner is the best of the three on the world stage, a fact that can’t be overlooked, nor underestimated.
Three of Australia’s most successful ODI opening batsmen Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, and Matt Hayden are in total agreement. Warner must open in the World Cup – his devastating batting mustn’t be wasted down the order, even as early as three.
Warner proved his point as the IPL’s most successful batsman with 692 runs at 69.2, scoring 99 more runs than second-placed Lokesh Rahul from two fewer visits to the crease.
Emphatic.
As Finch is by far the bigger hitter in a head-to-head with Khawaja, he should be Warner’s partner, with Khawaja at three.
Problem number two has recently surfaced with former Australian captain, and current assistant ODI coach, Ricky Ponting wanting Marcus Stoinis at three.
That’s an astonishing call with Stoinis very lucky to be in the 15-man World Cup squad as the expense of Peter Handscomb.
In 2019, Handscomb has scored 479 ODI runs at 43.54 and should be in the squad as first choice keeper over Alex Carey, while Stoinis has struggled with 242 runs at 30.25, and even worse with the ball claiming just eight wickets costing 52.63 apiece.
So far we have Warner and Finch to open, Khawja at three, and then Steve Smith on return from his year-long suspension by cracking 88*, 91*, and 76 in his last three ODI digs, averaging a massive 255 off 267 with 21 fours, and two sixes.
Smith will be one of the best performers in the Cup.
Steve Smith (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
The fifth slot belongs to Shaun Marsh who has had a solid 2019 with 435 at a very healthy 48.33, and who cemented his berth with an unbeaten 55 during the week.
The sixth slot belongs to Glenn Maxwell with his 2019 stats of 435 runs at 41.63, and if he tees off with a combination of powerful sensible batting limiting his hero low percentage shots, he too will be a shining light at the Cup.
Seventh will be Carey, and then into the bowlers with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to open, with either Nathan Coulter-Nile or Jason Behrendorff first change with Coulter-Nile the better batting option, leaving leggie Adam Zampa with the spin responsibilities.
That means offie Maxwell will be charged with bowling 10 overs, and that could be the making of his all-rounder recognition as he’s one of the best fieldsmen in world cricket, but bowling has been his weak link.
That leaves Stoinis, Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon and Kane Richardson as standbys in case of injury.
So the first choice Australian side in batting order:
David Warner
Aaron Finch
Usman Khawaja
Steve Smith
Shaun Marsh
Glenn Maxwell
Alex Carey
Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Adam Zampa
That line-up has the clout to bring home the bacon.
Larry
Guest
Stats (almost exclusively): check Outright dismissal/failure to discount alternate perspectives: check Overly simplistic concluding sentence: check Another champagne piece Lordy. Back to the bar champion, make mine a double this time!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Missing the all-rounder i reckon..... Can't see the Maxwell / Finch / Smith getting through 10 overs as would be required here David.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
yeh i know. Its a just a gut feel which most likely means its way off base.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Really? In 2019: Dorff - 6 games, 7 wickets, avg. 41.42, econ. 5.33, S/R 46.5 NCN - 5 games, 10 wickets, avg. 26.40, econ. 5.95, S/R 26.6 NCN has also performed better in the practice matches and is a better batsman and fielder to boot. Dorff has a slightly better economy rate but is miles behind in every other aspect. He won't open the bowling either, if Cummins and Starc are both playing.
Kopa Shamsu
Guest
Well I guess you can't make a change to the squad unless there is an injury. My first 11 in order would be-- Finch Khawaja Smith Warner Maxwell Carey NCN Cummins Starc Zampa Dorff
JamesH
Roar Guru
It really should be between Finch and Warner as to who bats 3. Blind Freddy can see that Khawaja has been *much* better as an opener. He's also more comfortable against the new ball than Finch. The problem is, Finch likes opening and he's the captain.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
"Coulter-Nile a massive liability with the ball." ODI record - 48 wickets at average of 26 In Australia's practice matches this month - 5 wickets at 22
Ouch
Roar Rookie
I like Berendorf for NCN and it will have to be Stoinis for SMarsh. And Usman to open with Finch. His best position. Smith/Warner/Maxwell/Stoinis to bat 3-6 depending on how the opening pair goes.
Nick
Roar Guru
A lot of pressures on the bowlers there. Australia would need to win the toss and bowl first. That batting line up couldn't chase a 340+ score. England are either gonna get 400 or 150. Australia would need to hope for 150 with that batting line up. Not criticising your selections, David. There's scarce sustained hitting power in the squad.
Trevor
Guest
Coulter-Nile a massive liability with the ball. Leave him out altogether.
Targa
Guest
You need more bowling. What would Australia do if Pat Cummins breaks down after 3 overs or Zampa has an off day and his first 6 overs go for 60 runs?
Rob
Guest
Khawaja is no good at 3. Looks like they are going to stick with him and Finch at the top based off the warm up games.
Paul
Roar Guru
We're short a bowler David. There's no way Maxwell will consistently get through 10 overs and although Marsh is batting well, Stoinis gets the gig though, as you rightly say, he's lucky to be there at all.