The Super 12 stage of the 8th Edition of ICC T20 World Cup is around the corner. The Cricket Australia (CA) has announced an official 15-member squad for the big tournament. Australia's campaign starts against New Zealand on 22nd of October. To break down the squad, it includes 4 batsmen, 4 all-rounders, 1 spinner, and 4 pacers. The 4 all-rounders consist of 2 pace-bowling all-rounders and 2 spin-bowling all-rounders. The squad has 2 wicket-keepers.
While the overall squad looks quite potent for the upcoming tournament, here’s a complete breakdown analysis of Team Australia squad for the T20 World Cup 2022. For better understanding, we will analyze the squad in different categories.
Openers:- Australian team have got one of the best opening duos in the tournament as they have gone with recognized openers in the form of Aaron Finch and David Warner at the top. They also have a solid backup option if needed in the form of an experienced Steve Smith.
David Warner , Steve Smith and Aaron Finch (C)
Middle Order and All Rounders:- All Rounders play a vital role as they bring balance to the team. Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are definitely the first-choice all-rounders for Australia and they are one of the best set of all rounders in this World Cup.
Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Ashton Agar
Finishers:- Finishers are the makers or breakers of the game, as the play the crucial overs 16-20th overs which more or less decides the result of the game. Australia are a powerhouse in this department as in the form of powerful hitter Tim David and an inform Matthew Wade who has been in great touch and rhythm
Tim David, Matthew Wade and Josh Inglis
Bowlers:- Team Australia have gone with the tried and tested experienced combination of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc,Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa. Australia pace attack is the most lethal attack given the conditions.
Pat Cummins (VC), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa
Probable playing combination:-
Aaron Finch(C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Mathew Wade (Wk), Pat Cummins (VC), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazelwood
Strengths:-
The major strength the Australian team possesses is the presence of formidable and impact players in every position. Right from square one Australia has a squad packed with big match winners who are superstars of World Cricket. The likes of David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins in a team makes the structure of the team an intimidating one. Experiences of these senior players will become quite handy in later stages of the tournament.
Also, the likes of Tim David could prove to be the x-factor of this Australian team if he brings out his A-game.
All the players know their roles and responsibilities quite well. Australia has one of the most fiery bowling attack currently. The pace bowling options are such which has all the variations required and the batting unit is one of the most attacking and aggressive in the current World Cup. And the World Cup being played in the home conditions of Aussies, it will be major advantage for their chances to defend their World Cup.
Weakness:-
Australia doesn't have any major weakness or drawbacks as they have more or less the perfect squad for the conditions,but they would like to rectify the mistakes they have done in the recently played series against England which is by giving more consistent performance as a whole unit with bat and ball and play as a complete team.
Chances at the tournament:
Australia would be one of the favorites to win the T20 world cup along with England, India, South Africa. Australia's road map is expected to be easy in the league stage as they are the strongest team in their group and expected to top the points table and qualify for the semis without much trouble but T20 being the shortest and an unpredictable format, any team could win on a given particular day.
