Australia has featured in six of the past ten Cricket world cups winning it four times including three in a row on 1999, 2003 and 2007. World cup 2015 is in its backyard and at this moment Australia is on top of ICC ranking. In all analysis Australia is tipped among the top favorites for winning the cup a record five times. Selectors of Cricket Australia have just announced the 15 men squad gambling with under rehabilitation captain Michael Clark. The captain who is recovering from hamstring surgery will have to meet 100% recovery criteria by February 21 the day hosts meet Bangladesh at Brisbane. Otherwise he will be replaced by George Bailey.
Australia's Cricket World Cup squad: Michael Clarke (c), George Bailey (vc), Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
Rodney Marsh Chairman of the National Selection Panel while announcing the team said, "Captain Michael Clarke will lead our World Cup campaign should he recover from his injury," "He is one of the world’s best batsmen and we want to give him every chance to prove his fitness for a tournament as important as this one.
Australia has just retained the Border–Gavsaker trophy beating strong India in 4 match test series posts the sad episode of Phil Hughes fatal incident in a match of domestic cricket .The three nations –Australia, England and India ODI championship will start soon.
Right at moment Australia has plenty of options as far as aggressive batsmen, fast bowler is concerned .What it lacks is genuine match winning spinner, a leg spinner. But considering the composition of the team and its balance the Aussie squad of 15 is strong enough to go all the way if they perform to their potential. Aaron Flinch and David Warner are two explosive openers who on their day can take apart any attack .Number three has few options. Business as usual would have Shane Watson stepping in. If situation demands Aussie captain may even use versatile Glen Maxwell specially while chasing a huge target. Clark if proven fit to continue will bat at four. While fit him is undoubtedly the best Australian batsman in all formats. Australian middle order and even tails is very strong and can be relied upon. Steve Smith at this moment is sin sizzling form, Maxwell is the x-factor and Faulkner is the most useful all-rounder. As a backup Mitchell Marsh is there to fill in whenever required. Mitchell Johnson, Mike Haddin, Mitchell Starc all can play aggressive strokes. Batting will not be an issue for the team as Australia has depth, diversity and quality. Whether batting first or chasing Australian batsmen would be able to post challenging target or chase any.
Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood forms formidable fast bowling quadrant for Australian attack. They will be backed up by fast bowling all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Shane Watson. The chief selector Rod Marsh added that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was progressing well from his injury and was expected to be fit for the opening match of the tournament.
"Mitchell is progressing well with his rehab and we expect him to be available at some stage during the tri-series with the aim to have him well prepared for the World Cup."
The selectors also opted for Tasmanian Xavier Doherty as the squad’s specialist spinner over the Test team's No.1 spinner Nathan Lyon.
"Xavier is a reliable spin bowler who we know can perform well in the 50-over format," said Marsh. "We also have other spin options in Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Michael Clarke if required."
The selectors did not name a back-up player for Clarke should he fail to prove his fitness by the cut-off date, with Shaun Marsh a likely contender. Marsh came into Australia's Test team when Clarke was ruled out through injury after the first Test against India in Adelaide.
Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle were not considered for selection and were possibly kept reserve for test duties. We think including a leg spinner in the team could be a smart option .But where is that quality leg spinner in Australia now?
Fielding and especially catching off late became a headache for the team. We hope team think tank has taken due note of and is addressing the matter.
Australia is the group with other cohost New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Scotland. In cricket anything can happen in any match .But few things can be told with assurances even in the game of glorious uncertainty. Beating Australia the top ICC ODI ranked team in the upcoming World Cup in their backyard will be extremely difficult .Team that manages beating them will win the world cup. Australia is ready for a crack for the record fifth title.
BDST: 0825 HRS, JAN 12, 2015
