Analysing Australia T20 World Cup 2021 Squad

Australia's T20 World Cup 2021 Squad

One of the oldest of the big three and one of the most dominant team in world cricket not only at the moment but also since cricket commenced, Australia are not although one of the favourites in the T20 format of the game as a team but they have the potential and the players to bash any bowler and run through any batting lineup on their day. There have been doubts on the team reaching the finals due to players who are excellent in the longer formats who are not currently performing in T20i's. Their recent poor form has also placed doubts upon the team when they lost easy chases to Bangladesh. However, there has been a thing to notice that their best players are multi-format players and have taken a break to gear up for a long summer including IPL (although some players have opted not to play), the T20 world cup, Afghanistan test and the Ashes series.

Let us analyse what part every player performs in the squad.

Aaron Finch

The bubblegum man is probably one of the best openers of T20. The right-handed batter must be raring to take the field with his long time partner in crime David Warner with whom, he has been in a record partnership of 122 off 11 overs as well. With a threatening strike rate of over 10 and a fine average of over 37, the 34 year-old opener is assured of a spot in the starting 11. The captain of the team is also the record-holder for the highest score in T20i's. In addition to 2 T20i hundreds, he also has 15 T20i 50's to his name. The part-time legspinner would want to decorate his stats with a few more, this World Cup. 

Ashton Agar

The 27-year old allrounder, Ashton Agar, is an asset for the team. Although his bowling has not been that impressive, his batting has grown over time and it has ended the wait for Australia for a bowling allrounder who could bat down the order. He is also the record holder for the highest score by a no.11 in tests- 98. With two 5-wicket hauls (including a hat trick) and an average economy of 6.75 (left arm legspin) to display in his profile, he can play the destructive role Jadeja plays for India. Certainly, numbers do not define the 37th-ranked allrounder and he has not got enough chances to bat to improve his stats but, on his day, he might just be the person to watch out for. 

Pat Cummins

The vice captain will be seen in action after a long time. Cummins will be handy in the world cup with his raw pace. His accuracy makes him able enough to bowl in the death. With a fine economy of 6.94, he has a lethal bouncer. The 28-year old's ability to make good use of the slower balls and execute the short ball ploy well helps the 1.92 m tall pacer to leak less runs while setting up his victims. The man with 30 wickets off 37 matches is currently ranked 80th in the bowlers' list but his experience will help his team defend low totals. However, his batting has recently come to light with KKR v/s CSK and it has proved that he can get games out of tricky situations. However, his place in the starting 11 is almost obvious as the trio of Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc would look to reunite. 

Josh Hazlewood

The 30 year old Josh Hazlewood has been the mainstay of the Australian bowling lineup in all formats. All other bowlers are good in some formats but the right handed fast bowler has impressed so far in all of them. Coming to T20i's, he is ranked 33rd with 21 wickets off 17 matches. With his ability to depreciate the run flow, he is a perfect to start with and use in the middle overs. Although he has a high economy of 7.98, Josh can take crucial wickets when required. Mixed with his accurate swing bowling is his batting prowess. He can play short but effective innings on a day when the middle order does not turn up to deliver, as is displayed by his strike rate of 172.72. He is expected to play a part in the starting 11 but the pitch not being favourable to pacers of his type, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins could be played ahead of him in the pace battery.

Josh Inglis

A new name to the side, Josh Inglis has been continuously impressing in domestic cricket in this format. The BBL, Hundred and domestic cricket has seen him grow as a keeper-batsman. The 26-year old is a backup to the veteran Matthew Wade but, considering his stats, he could be well placed ahead of Wade. What more can a player demand than to make his international debut at the grandest stage! The right-hander averages 34.5 in T20 cricket with a strike rate of a humongous 153.7. With 2 hundreds as well, he forms for himself, aa strong case for the starting 11, especially due to Matthew Wade is out of form. However, there is still one problem that Inglis is an opener and Australia have no dearth of openers, example being Aaron Finch and David Warner. If he can perform in the middle order, it will be a bonus for the team as they are strictly in search of a batter to strengthen their fragile middle order.

Mitchell Marsh

The right handed allrounder, Mitchell Marsh was the only positive from Bangladesh tour of Australia. The 29 year-old is one of the very few, if not the only middle order batter, who has performed. With a strike rate of 120, he is well suited to play in all conditions and all positions. With 700 runs off 30 matches, he might not look as impressive but the 21st ranked batter has proved his mettle many times in the recent years. He is a must for the starting 11 taking in regard, his current red hot form and need for middle order players. In addition to this, his bowling is a bonus. 15 wickets off 17 innings with a strike rate of 17.87 has been added to his CV. His excellent fielding in the deep makes him a full 3 dimensional player, someone who can be tempting for the selectors. 

Glenn Maxwell

Maxi, as he is fondly called, Glenn Maxwell is the player to look out for, given his recent performances for RCB. Coming at no. 3, 4, 5 or even 6, he is a versatile player while at the same time, being one of the biggest hitters of the game. With a disastrous strike rate of 158.9, he is placed 24th in the ICC rankings and, rightly so, he has become eminent as more of a finisher than a middle order batter. The right hander is also prized with 3 centuries. His offspin can also help his cause to help him make into the starting 11 unless he is affected by an injury. His bowling stats are also ideal. He can open the bowling as well as cut off runs in the middle overs. His fielding adds the cherry to the top of an excellent qualification chance. With his resume shining, he makes it into the starting 11 and the captain would be hoping the BIG SHOW can put up a big show on the big night.

Kane Richardson

The 30-year old young Kane Richardson is a young talent in the Australian dugout. The right arm fast bowler is a star in the making and has been impressive recently in the BBL. To display, he does not have much but a strike rate of 18.41 and a strike rate of 24.3. The stats do not look to do any much thinking to the selectors but his recent form suggests he can be the first choice replacement in the fast bowlers section. The 34th ranked bowler has not a very good economy but that is due to the fact that he bowls mostly in the death, where 9-11 runs are common per over. He makes an excellent use of yorkers and mix of pace. Although he does not have a good  batting record, his batting can many a times come of use and he can contribute some good runs in the end. However, he does not make into the starting 11 yet, especially when Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood are fit and the pitches of UAE favouring spinners.

Steve Smith

The 32 year old Steve Smith has been the mainstay of the team in the recent past who has been anchoring quite a few chases. Although he is not so popular in the shortest format of the game, his ability to stay at the crease  might be a boost for Australia, hiding their middle order woes. With an average of 27.37 and a not-so-good strike rate of around 130, the right handed batter is ranked 98th (far from our expectations) in the batting column. Another way, his game can be looked about is by the backlift of his bat. Despite all of this, he his recent form might just be enough to include him in the starting 11. However, he might be rested in the later stages in order to ensure exhaustion does not break him down before the Ashes.

Mitchell Starc

The 31-year old Mitchell Starc was not a sure shot in the Australian squad. The left arm pacer has not played too many T20i's recently but it seems the management has given him another chance to prove his mettle in the shortest format of the game. With a mind-boggling 51 wickets out of 41 matches played, and an economy rate as low as 7.23, Starc is one to watch out for. His fine yorkers and ability to get the ball swing has earned him rewards using the pace he has. The 46th ranked 1.96 m tall quick also benefits with the height of the short balls he gets. When in rhythm, he can destroy any batting line up and is one of the favourites for the starting 11.

Marcus Stoinis

One of those few middle order batters who have been consistent for the side is Marcus Stoinis. The 32 year old batting allrounder is known better for finishing matches and his death overs exploits. Also known as 'The Hulk', the right hander is placed 71st in the allrounder rankings with an average of an ideal 25.06 and strike rate of about 134. However, he has done miracles for the team whenever needed. Regarding his bowling, his strike rate of 25.04 is what is to be taken into consideration. He can bowl death overs easily without leaking too many runs. Also, he gives the team the third opening option till now as he has done for Delhi Capitals in the IPL and Melbourne Stars in the BBL. All in all, the good fielder gives a lot of stability and versatility to the team with his fast bowling.

Mitchell Swepson

Mitchell Swepson, who has played just 7 international matches for Australia has shown he has the special spark in him that has tempted selectors to go for him even after little experience. The 27 year old right-handed legspinner's sliders and flippers are dangerous traps the world's best batters fall to. Averaging 15.72, Swepson owns 11 wickets off the just 7 matches he has played. His low economy of 7.52 helps him to check the run flow in the middle overs. However, due to Adam Zampa's experience, probably, the latter has the upper hand in the starting 11 and Mitchell Swepson might have to wait for his chance.

Matthew Wade

The veteran wicketkeeper batsman, Matthew Wade came as a surprise inclusion in the side given his recent form. The 33 year old left hander has some good amount of experience with him. Wade brings with him some hopes of combing and holding the middle order together. His ability to score quick runs at the death as well as to perform as an aggressive opener was why he was chosen (by the way, this is the fourth opening option for Australia). His statistics do not go too well in his favour as he averages just under 20 and strikes at a rate of not-so-very-high 123. With 3 half centuries to his name, out of the 39 innings he has played, he does not pass the test for the starting 11 but, owing to the middle order woes and lack of stability in the middle order, he can be the key to play according to the conditions. 

David Warner

The left handed batter, David Warner, is the sixth opening option for Australia and this shows they have not even left a single hole in their top order. Coming to Warner, the former vice captain of the team is unarguably one of the best in the format. although he is ranked 72, he is potentially much better than that. Apart from 18 fifties and 1 hundred at a strike rate of 140, he has a very good average of 33.5. However, his recent matches in the IPL suggest he might need some rest and his form in the second leg of IPL will be a basis for his inclusion in the starting 11, which was a must before this year's IPL. 

Adam Zampa

A right handed legspinner by profession, Adam Zampa has managed to make a mark in world cricket very fast. The 29 year old has takes 52 wickets from 49 matches he's bowled in. Although he averages as high as 32, his economy is what Australia might ant to cash on. Since pitches in UAE will be slow, it would be very important to score in the middle overs, something Zampa can prevent. He is well known for his googly which has deceived many batsmen by now. With his good international experience, he can beat the greatest batsmen in the world. All in all, he would be the key whenever runs are flowing away. 

Probable Starting 11:

Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Disclaimer: All stats are according to T20i format based on data updated till 28/09/2021.