Can the Aussies finally win what they've never won?
Written by Will Faulkner
Despite being a tournament not played for over five years, this year’s T20 World Cup has crept up faster than first imagined.
Hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, the competition brings the world’s 16 best cricket teams together for one month, eventually crowning the most successful nation in the game’s shortest international format.
For Australia, the T20 World Cup is the one piece of silverware that has always eluded them.
Success at the highest levels has been repeated over and over again in the two longer formats, but has never translated into the 120-ball-a-side game.
Nevertheless, the Aussies take one of their strongest sides ever to the Middle East for a chance to complete the nation’s cricketing silverware.
The 15-man squad is as follows:
Aaron Finch (captain) After knee surgery in July, the Australian captain has recovered well ahead of schedule and is raring to go for Saturday’s opening group match against South Africa. With low and slow pitches expected most of this tournament, Finch will be making sure to bring his best front foot cricket to some of the world’s best spinners. His sweep shot will be critical in the powerplay overs; a period of the game he is so used to facing pace bowlers with the field up. His captaincy has always been top-shelf, and will need to cleverly manage his versatile bowling attack this campaign.
Patrick Cummins (vice-captain) Arriving in the Middle East later than the majority of the squad to be at the birth of his first child, Pat Cummins is slightly more underdone than some of his teammates. Nonetheless, the vice-captain will still look to make his mark this tournament by putting the ball on a dime. A solid IPL campaign earlier this year before the tournament’s suspension will give Cummins some confidence throughout the next month. However like all pace bowlers in the squad, he can expect to be rested at some point during the campaign.
Ashton Agar There has been a significant rise in Agar’s stocks in the last six months, with many economical performances for the Aussies in their recent white-ball series against the West Indies and Bangladesh. Expected to play second fiddle to Zampa most of this tournament, the left-arm orthodox spinner will look to tie down one end while his teammates search for wickets at the other. His lower-order hitting should not be overlooked either, with multiple match-winning knocks for his BBL side the Perth Scorcher in previous seasons.
Ashton Agar's role as second spinner will be crucial to a successful Australian World Cup - Photo Credit: Fox Sports (AP)
Josh Hazlewood Fresh off an IPL premiership just days ago, Josh Hazlewood’s perceived value to the Australian team has risen drastically in a short period of time, much like Ashton Agar. His ultra-consistent performances for the Super Kings in recent weeks have benefited him in more ways than one, as the only quick to have had significant match time in the last few months. While he is unlikely to play every game, his match fitness and proven form will hold him in good stead for the upcoming tournament.
Josh Inglis The only genuine bolter in the 15-man squad, Inglis’ sheer weight of runs on the English county scene has earned himself a debut Australian squad selection. His one-day performances for Leicestershire over winter particularly caught the eye of selectors, with his ability to adapt to T20 cricket relatively proven for the Perth Scorchers last season. His selection over Alex Carey certainly raised the eyebrows of many, and it is now up to him to prove his talent when he gets his chance on the big stage.
Mitchell Marsh The only player to perform with the bat on recent tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh, Mitch Marsh has been in red-hot form the last six months. So much so, the batting all-rounder temporarily gave up his red-ball duties for state Western Australia in a bid to preserve his white-ball form for the World Cup. His bowling was taken a liking to by New Zealand batters in Australia’s first warm-up match for the tournament, although his pace services are more of a luxury than a necessity. Marsh is likely to set up shop at number three, however his versatility may see him moved down the order at some point during the series to accommodate for players like Steve Smith and Matthew Wade.
Mitch Marsh has been tipped by teammates to have a tournament like no other - Photo Credit: cricket.com.au
Glenn Maxwell Undoubtedly the x-factor of this squad, Glenn Maxwell has spent the last months in the IPL showing his critics why he is still one of, if not the best T20 player in the world. Striking at a tick under 159 for Australia in T20’s, ‘The Big Show’ has been on fire for Indian franchise team RCB with five scores of 40+ in his last six innings. The added option of his quick round-arm off-spinners may be handy on low-bouncing wickets, not to mention his second to none fielding. Amazingly, some question marks still surround his selection in the side. Warranted or not, his presence in this year’s World Cup will be hard to miss.
Kane Richardson A master of variations, Kane Richardson has been around the white-ball scene for Australia many years now. His capabilities are clearly held in high regard by the Cricket Australia selectors, as his family priorities meant he was unable to play in multiple away series these last 18 months. A commendable performance of 3/24 in his side’s warm-up match against the Kiwis is a testament to his consistent output in recent times. His role in a successful World Cup campaign cannot be underestimated, with his responsibility no less important than the likes of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood.
Where does Richardson fit in Australia's blueprint for success? - Photo Credit: SACA Media
Steve Smith Not known for his overly powerful striking of the ball, Smith’s role in Australia’s middle order is still yet to be fully seen. Limited opportunities for his IPL side Delhi has made his spot in the team less certain than others, however it is clear to see why he may be found favourably by Australian selectors. Likely to be batting in a line-up surrounded by big-hitters and match-winners, the former Australian captain’s responsibility will likely be getting his teammates on strike and only attack aggressively when absolutely required. His fielding will be a big bonus to captain Aaron Finch, and can only help his cause for a permanent spot in the national 20/20 team.
Mitchell Starc Inconsistent white-ball form of late has opened Starc’s spot in the side slightly ajar, however it is hard to see the selectors not picking him most of the tournament. His point of difference as the only left-arm quick in the 15-man squad, as well as his undeniable experience should see Starc headline a qualified attack this campaign. When on song, his ability to execute the yorker is the best in the world, and has seen him win games for his country.
Marcus Stoinis Very much like Smith, Stoinis has been unable to solidify his place in the Australian team through domestic ventures due to a complete lack of opportunity. Versatile in what he can bring to the table, his medium-pacers and power hitting will see him slot into the middle order if selected; a role played similarly by state teammate Mitchell Marsh. Having batted at five in the practice game on Monday night, it will be interesting to see where and when the all-rounder will fit into this World Cup.
Mitchell Swepson A late runner for this World Cup, Swepson has landed himself the role of third spinner in this squad behind Agar and Zampa. Known for the revolutions he puts on the ball in the air, his chance to spin the leather will come eventually during the tournament. 11 wickets in seven T20 Internationals has shown selectors he can mix it with the best, especially on low-bouncing, turning wickets as seen in Bangladesh earlier this year.
How far does Swepson's recent form for Australia take him this World Cup? - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Matthew Wade Seemingly the number one keeper for Australia this next month, Wade will be looking to make his biggest impact with the bat; making quick runs for his side. Used as an opener, first drop and middle-order bat before for Australia in white-ball cricket, the 33-year-old is clearly versatile and is looked upon favourably by selectors as a result. His no-fuss attitude at the crease compliments his humorous chat in the field, and could provide some very good entertainment for onlookers.
David Warner Arguably hard done by in his omission for most of the IPL tournament by side Sunrisers Hyderabad, Warner’s bad luck showed no sign of ending on Monday night in the trial game versus New Zealand. Caught first ball by Martin Guptill in what can only be described as an outrageous display of fielding, A poor dismissal in the second trial game against India leaves him virtually scoreless heading into Saturday. 81 games worth of experience for Australia in T20’s is enough proof that he is worthy of a spot in the side, but he needs to prove selectors fast that he is still the man going forward that will bring Australia success.
Adam Zampa Perhaps the best white-ball leg-spinner in the world, the scene is set for Adam Zampa to continue his great form that the world stage has seen so often. His ability to consistently cramp opposition batsman for room on a perfect line has only improved with time, and will be critical to Australia’s hopes of defending scores and taming the best batsmen in the world. Only skipper Aaron Finch is more certain of retaining his spot in the team each game, with his role in the team nigh on invaluable to a successful World Cup campaign.
The stage is set for 'Zorba' to stake his claim as the world's best white-ball leg-spinner - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Reserves Dan Christian The 38-year-old’s selection as reserve was majorly based off an exceptional BBL campaign last summer, with many match-winning performances for the Sydney Sixers – the eventual premiers of BBL10. His contributions to the Australian side on international tours this year were limited, yet pleasing to see in a reward for his consistent domestic white-ball efforts.
Nathan Ellis It took Ellis only minutes to make an impact on the world stage earlier this year, taking a hattrick against Bangladesh in his debut international game. Scattered performances for the Punjab Kings in the recent IPL were mixed in their results, however the selectors had seen enough to pick him as the genuine bowling reserve for this series.
Daniel Sams Much like Christian, Sams was rewarded for consistent Big Bash performances across last summer. A left-arm quick who strikes them quickly, he has made four international T20 appearances for Australia. The 28-year-old’s opportunities are limited this World Cup, but will hopefully expand over the next few years in the lead up to 2024.