Opinion
Last year’s World Cup triumph feels like yesterday, but this year’s World Cup is around the corner (still eight months away).
The squad is going to be pretty much the same as last year’s, so here we can take a look at the possible squad, including the XI in batting order and four substitutes.
1. David Warner
88 batting innings, 2554 runs, 32.74 average, 140.48 strike rate
He is last year’s World Cup’s player of the tournament, the second highest run getter of the edition and the backbone of the Aussie line-up. It will be no justice leaving him out of the XI.
He has scored 2554 runs at an average of 32.74. That is very much above par in this format of the game. Warner generally is a great timer of the ball and gives the team a good start.
During last year’s edition, he had a whopping strike rate of 146.70 and an average of 48.16. This man holds the key for the Aussies defending the title.
(Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
2. Aaron Finch
83 batting innings, 2608 runs, 35.72 average, 148.01 strike rate
Veteran batsman and skipper Aaron Finch needs no introduction. The star batsman easily gets in the XI opening alongside Warner.
He likes to go bang on from ball one and converts his starts to big scores. Not to mention he has the highest score by a batsman in T20Is.
Warner and Finch could use the power play overs very wisely and could pave the way for big totals.
3. Mitch Marsh
35 batting innings, 885 runs, 31.60 average, 125.00 strike rate
20 bowling innings, 15 wickets, 20.04 average, 7.65 economy
Mitch Marsh has been one of the finds for Aussies, batting at number three and helping the bowling department by bowling a handy couple of overs.
Marsh could bat deep into the innings and ensures the runs keep flowing. Marsh was deemed to be the key player for the 2021 edition but after an underwhelming group stage, Marsh proved his worth with a brilliant 77-run knock in the final, ensuring the triumph.
(Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
4. Steve Smith
41 batting innings, 863 runs, 26.96 average, 126.16 strike rate
Imagine your team is struggling at 3-30 and is in a desperate situation of someone needing to anchor the innings and take it deep. The ideal batsman is Steve Smith.
A batsman with an ability to keep the scoreboard ticking and at the same not throwing away his wicket is a must in every team. His experience could come in handy during crunch times and crucial situations.
5. Glenn Maxwell
72 batting innings, 1844 runs, 30.73 average, 155.74 strike rate
53 innings, 33 wickets, 27.60 average, 7.46 economy
Arguably the world’s best all-rounder, Maxwell is a three-dimensional player, a gun fielder, a great batsman, and a valuable bowler.
Maxwell is in the thickest of forms, smashing a record-breaking 154 recently in the BBL. If needed, Maxwell could well bat at number four and bowl in the power play too.
He has an impressive strike rate of 160 and, who knows, he could score a quick-fire hundred.
6. Matthew Wade
42 batting innings, 729 runs, 20.82 average, 127.00 strike rate
Although the stats aren’t great, he is the ideal wicketkeeper for the team and could also open the innings if needed.
Who could forget his match-winning 41 off 17 balls in the semi-final of the 2021 edition, smacking Shaheen Afridi for three sixes, sending Pakistan packing and putting Australia in the final.
(Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
7. Marcus Stoinis
27 batting innings, 456 runs, 28.50 average, 134.51 strike rate
19 bowling innings, ten wickets, 39.40 average, 8.69 economy
Marcus Stoinis is a dynamic batsman. He could smash the white ball a long way.
He and Maxwell could pretty much do the fifth bowler’s role to perfection. Stoinis is a valuable asset down the order.
He can easily do the finisher’s role and often comes good during crunch situations.
8. Pat Cummins
37 bowling innings, 42 wickets, 22.38 average, 7.01 economy
Pat Cummins is the heart of the bowling attack and could very much prove handy in field placements.
Cummins could bowl economically both in the power play and death overs.
9. Mitchell Starc
48 bowling innings, 60 wickets, 22.68 average, 7.51 economy
This guy doesn’t need an introduction as arguably the world’s best bowler. He could give the ideal starts along with Josh Hazlewood in the power play overs and bundle out the opposition very quickly.
Mitchell Starc could provide vital breakthroughs during the power play and could cramp up the batsmen with searing pace and bounce.
(Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto)
10. Adam Zampa
56 bowling innings, 65 wickets, 21.15 average, 6.81 economy
The team requires a spinner who has the ability to bowl dot balls in the middle overs and keep the run rate low.
He could also turn the ball and trap the batsmen in front.
11.Josh Hazlewood
24 bowling innings, 32 wickets, 22.09 average, 7.79 economy
Josh Hazlewood is the only bowler to be ranked in top ten bowlers in all formats. Needless to say, he hits consistent line and length tirelessly.
He had a breakthrough year in 2021 and is in a rich vein of form. He is a bowler well capable of bowling in the power play and getting the outside edges on a regular basis.
Substitutes
12. Ashton Agar
13. Alex Carey
14. Jhye Richardson
15. Usman Khawaja
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