It’s hard to neglect the instinctive winning pedigree of an Australian team in an ICC event. The blueprint of winning, it appears, is embedded in the team’s culture, and aside from their obvious overwhelming talent, Australia’s ability to compose wins from difficult situations, is the single most impressive trait that sets them apart from their equally talented counterparts like South Africa and New Zealand who are yet to crack that winning code at the ICC 50 overs showpiece event.
Australia in my mind is perhaps the best-equipped side to spoil England’s tea party. They are peaking at the right time with recent away series wins against powerhouse India and Pakistan, not to mention that the return of the prolific Steven Smith and David Warner, adds to their armoury.
It no secret that the side from Down Under has been enduring a difficult time of late. They are currently ranked fifth in the world – a far cry from the standards set during the dominant Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting eras.
However, their recent form as mentioned before, will be hard to bet against, so much so that I’ll have to agree with the World Cup predictions of senior ESPNcorrespondent George Dobell who said: “I have this recurring fear that in this much-hyped “summer of cricket”, Australia could spoil England’s party by going home with the Ashes and the World Cup. But England really does look strong, and if they are ever going to do it, it is going to have to be now. India is also dangerous.”
I wouldn’t touch on India’s prospects in this commentary, but Dobell is certainly on to something with regards to the Aussie’s chances.
The Aaron Finch unit is a well-drilled side under Justin Langer who has quickly erased the horrors of the Newlands ball-tampering scandal. Langer, who is assisted by World Cup winners Ponting and Brad Haddin has navigated Australia through that turbulent period.
Decrypting Australia’s batting, one would agree that the lineup isn’t as explosive as England’s but there are quite a bit of experience and quality there. Smith, who has missed a lengthy time away from International cricket, is still revered as one of the best in the game. His century against England in a warm-up fixture a few days ago is a clear demonstration of his value. He is expected to carry the side’s batting.
Opening the innings will be the destructive duo in Warner and skipper Finch while Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh are battling for the number three spot with the former likely to start on the back of his recent form. Smith slots in at four. The all-rounders in Glen Maxwell – who I believe will be at the top of his game, – Marcus Stoinis, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, are expected to perform key lower order roles.
But here is where it gets interesting for me, the potency of Australia’s bowling department, could provide the edge that could carry them over the line.
Therefore, the men expected to guide the defending champion’s charge are Mitchell Starc with his 150kms searing yorkers, Pat Cummings who controls the middle and latter overs along with spinners Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon. Stoinisis also a handy customer with the ball.
Australia for what it’s worth, is the most successful side at the ICC 50 overs event, appearing in seven finals, lifting the cup on five occasions thus, it’s tough to bet against that.
