WHAT’S AUSTRALIA’S BEST XI?
Coach Justin Langer has shown he is a fan of playing five specialist bowlers in T20 cricket, but I think Australia needs to pack more punch with the bat. Frontline bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar are good enough to put the clamps on opposition teams, and Langer should be able to get enough from his all-rounders Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell. A batting line-up with Agar at No.8 gives Australia its best chance to post big, competitive totals. I think Josh Inglis’ middle-order ability against spin earns him a chance over Matthew Wade with the gloves.
Mitchell Swepson is a vastly underrated bowler who could be Australia’s x-factor in the cup. The Queensland legspinner has been in Adam Zampa’s shadow but he can be a potent force in the big games at the end of the tournament. Swepson is a steady presence, but has the variety to take wickets. Ricky Ponting’s declaration that the World Cup tracks will be tired and deteriorating was a call for Australia to be bold and play three spinners, plus Glenn Maxwell.
SAM LANDSBERGER
Aaron Finch David Warner Mitchell Marsh
THE Joshes – Inglis and Hazlewood – are hurtling towards selection as the bolters in a squad carrying a coat of rust. Hazlewood has knuckled down to trash the theory he lacked weapons with the white ball while
Inglis has overtaken Cameron Bancroft, Alex Carey and Josh Philippe and if the boom batter grabs Matthew Wade’s World Cup gloves it would complete a crazy charge. Ricky Ponting fumed at Perth Scorchers batting Inglis below their three imports last summer, but the middle order suited the English-born right-hander’s dancing feet and ability to destroy spin, whereas Wade’s power is maximised as an opener, where he won’t be considered. Steve Smith could slip all the way to No.6 but shapes as Australia’s Mr Fix It, capable of sliding into any situation with a cool head. The one-two punch of erratic all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Mitch Marsh invokes more fear than Smith at No.3 and 4 while the spinto-win mantra should see Zampa and Agar seize some of the critical power-play overs. But once again, it looks like a makeshift T20 team and one wearing some bruises.
I could have changed three or four spots in there and it would be just as strong a team. That’s probably the team I’d have now if everyone is fit and firing. But that could change before the first game.