2015 World Cup preview : Australia Captained by the experienced Michael Clarke, Australia as always are strong contenders to win the World Cup for a record 5th time. Their recent ODI performances suggest they are a strong unit in the limited overs format with a team consisting of a good blend of young and experienced players. With the World Cup being played at home, explosive players like Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Aaron Finch and James Faulkner would already be having one eye on the trophy. Australia are ranked number one in ODIs after recently beating Pakistan and South Africa 3-0 and 4-1 respectively. World Cup Record: 1975 - (England) Runner Up 1979 - (England) Sixth Place 1983 - (England) Fifth Place 1987 - (India/Pakistan) Winners 1992 - (Australia/New Zealand) Fifth 1996 - (India/Pakistan/Sri Lanka) Runner Up 1999 - (England) Winners 2003 - (South Africa/Zimbabwe) Winners 2007 - (West Indies) Winners 2011 - (India/Sri Lanka/Bangladesh) Sixth Place Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner and Shane Watson. Top 3 Players to watch: David Warner: Batting average : 31.4 Strike rate : 83.5 The explosive young opener has already given statements to the bowlers to watch out for him. He would be looking to translate his good Test form in to the Limited overs format. Solid runs from the top can create problems for the opposition. Glenn Maxwell: Batting average: 29.7 Strike rate : 120.4 Bowling average : 41.13 Economy: 5.3 Known as one of the cleanest hitters of a cricket ball, Maxwell has the ability to change the game single handedly. He is also a useful bowler who can bowl economical overs. Mitchell Johnson: Batting average: 16.3 Strike rate : 95.8 Bowling average : 25.7 Economy: 4.8 Australias most useful bowling weapon in the World Cup who has the ability to bowl consistently at 90+ MPH. He would be a handful in bowling friendly conditions and can also produce cameos down the order with the bat. Prediction: The four time World Cup winners are one of the favourites to lift the trophy once again. Being a powerful batting side and having a mix of experience and youth with a top quality pace attack, Australia would be one of the teams to beat in the tournament on their home soil.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 10:46:01 +0000
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