3 min read
Introduction
I for one have been surprised bye Australia’s resurgence in recent ODIs, opponents notwithstanding. I won’t lie, I was expecting a prolonged psychological dent into the Australian outfit with a slow resurgence but this has taken me by surprise. This has forced me to re-evaluate my stance on Australia for this World Cup.
Mihir’s SWOT Analysis
strengths
- A very very strong top order boosted even more by the return of David Warner and Steve Smith. Their impressive respective forms makes it an exciting batting lineup to look out for.
- The biggest advantage which Australia have and which is something they generated on their own is the form they carry into the world cup with 10 consecutive ODI wins.
weaknesses
- I would say that their bowling lineup is inexperienced in comparison to their batting lineup and could be found wanting on batting-friendly pitches. However, that’s not to say that the bowlers lack the skills or form.
- It’s important to note that in their last 8 ODI wins, their bowlers have failed to take more than 5 wickets in an innings; it is their batting which has won them matches.
opportunities
- Australia have a brilliant opportunity here to ride on this resurgence of theirs and march their way into the semi-finals.
- If I could be a little bit bold here, I feel that both of Australia’s all rounders are out of form. Therefore, it is an opportunity for the top-order and middle-order to shield the lower-middle order by utilising their own good form.
threats
- What is a strength could also be a threat to them – there’s a problem of plenty at the top of the order. And either 1 of the 2 things are going to happen – a successful opening pair is going to be broken up or David Warner and/or Steve Smith are going to be asked to bat out of their usual positions.
- Another threat is the lure of playing Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis together, which along with 5 batsmen (Finch, Marsh, Khawaja, Warner and Smith) and the keeper, leave room for only 3 frontline-bowlers, which I deem to be a huge threat.
key player
Aaron Finch –> As on opener-captain, the onus falls on him not only to perform but also to ensure that Australia don’t find the need to change tactics (or captain) mid-way through the tournament. With as many as 3 players vying for the openers slots, it wouldn’t take too many bad performances for Finch before he finds himself shifting him down the order. Finch the captain will need to be smart in utilising what could be termed in my eyes as a little above-average bowling lineup.
prediction
Having said all that, I have got a strong inclination to say that Australia will be one of the first teams making it to the semi-finals.
Roster
Schedule
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