With ICC Cricket World Cup round the corner, here is a preview of team Australia.
THE SQUAD
Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vc), Shane Watson, Cameron White, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin (wk), Tim Paine (wk), John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Doug Bollinger.
4th IN A ROW ??
After dominating two World cup campaigns and bagging 4th world title in 2007, Australia should be the hot favourite coming into the tournament, but somewhere down the line even a die hard Aussie fan would be thinking, are they really the favourites ??
THE HOPE
Aussies always had the services of the best openers of a particular era in each of their World Cup triumphs, but this time around the opening pair is the biggest concern the Australian outfit faces. Shane Watson has most definitely cemented his place and even 40 per cent comparison to great Mark Waugh won't hurt here.
Watson is an asset for Australia if sub-continent pitches are taken into consideration. He always had the power and technique to play up front but what makes him the lethal weapon for the Aussies is his maturity and the level of understanding he has developed for the game. And moreover, he is no schmuck with the ball either.
Mr. Cricket, Mike Hussey would be the biggest hope for Ricky Ponting in this World Cup. Since his late debut in 2004 in ODI's he has never looked back. If Ricky Pointing and Adam Gilchrist were the big match players for Aussies, this time around it would be Mr. Cricket, Michael Hussey. Provided he gets fit before the world cup after his surgery.
Mitchell Johnson for me would be the spearhead of this bowling attack though its boosts the like of Lee and Bollinger. For me the best opening bowlers for Australia are Johnson and Bollinger.
THE WORRIES
Well, lot of worries for sure and to start of with, it's the batting, Watson is yet to find a solid opening partner. Brad Haddin, though in the recent series against England is trying very hard to fill in the boots of Adam Gilchrist. His short yet effective run a ball innings is hurting England but same cannot be said once he reaches the subcontinent. Also, Tim Paine the second wicketkeeper and attacking batsmen seems to be more stable but he hasn't proved much to earn a World cup game. Omission of David Warner is baffling.
In the bowling department, Brett Lee and Shaun Tait are like the Pandora's Box, the two fastest bowlers, one a proven match winner but coming from a long injury lay off and the other like a jet without radar could be a risky gamble taken by the selectors. Siddle would have made more sense than Shaun Tait.
SURPRISE ELEMENT
Steven Smith and Nathan Hauritz are the lesser known faces in the Australian setup. Hauritz, though vastly experienced and being a spinner could be decisive in sub continent. He is miserly as he looks but wicket taking abilities are a question mark.
Steven Smith on the other hand would double up as an all rounder. He has shown great temperament and can hit the ball real hard and his leg break could be very effective in placid wickets.
Equally good would be Cameron White. He can very well be equated to Yusuf Pathan, a notch higher maybe.
John Hastings selection keeping in mind Australia already had 3 all rounders is a bit confusing. But Hastings credentials in domestic circuit and his immaculate bowling performances in death overs is probably why he is in the squad. Though, Warner could have been there instead of Hastings.
CHANCES
Four time World Champions, you just cannot shrug them of even if they have a bad day at the office. Clearly not the favourites but much better than dark horses, 3rd in line to take the trophy I may say.
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