Aakash Chopra hails Australia for its brilliant performance in T20 World Cup 2021.
T20 World Cup 2021: Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra seems to be impressed with Australia’s brilliant display of performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. Chopra reckons that the Kangaroos are heading forth ticking all their boxes and are proving to be a strong side in the World Cup.
Australia thrashed South Africa and Sri Lanka in its first two matches in the T20 World Cup 2021 and are now targetting England to be their third hunt.
Following Australia’s poor T20I outing against West Indies and Bangladesh in the T20I series, several asserted that the Aussies aren’t the unstoppable force in the T20Is. However, Aaron Finch and co have sent a strong message to the opposition in its only two outings till now.
Chopra said that the major concern for the Aussies was the form of Aaron Finch and David Warner, who now have some runs against their names in the T20 World Cup 2021.
“One major concern for Australia was the form of Aaron Finch and David Warner. They have got runs now. Mitchell Marsh has been a bit short but Australia have a lot of confidence in him given his performances in recent times.”
The renowned commentator further elaborated on Steven Smith’s role in the team. He feels that Smith is not someone who has a fixed role and will only come to bat if there is a poor start given by the openers or there are a few early breakthroughs.
“Steve Smith’s role will be a little different. He might not come into bat if Australia gets a flying start. The Aussies are likely to promote Maxwell and Stoinis. If they lose early wickets, Smith will come in.”
“There have got three all-rounders in Marsh, Maxwell and Stoinis, who can combine and give Australia four overs with the ball. They have got three gun fast bowlers and a leg-spinner spinner, who is flying under the radar – Adam Zampa is brilliant. This team is ticking all the boxes. Finch as a captain has been very good in the T20 format.”
ALSO READ: IPL 2022 Mega Auction Details, 10 IPL Teams, New Rules: All you need to know
England play aggressive Cricket, Morgan’s form an issue: Aakash Chopra
Speaking on England’s front, Chopra said English players are accustomed to playing an aggressive brand of cricket no matter the situation. Their openers are doing well, Jason Roy and Jos Buttler can destroy the opposition in just a matter of a few overs.
“England like to play aggressive cricket. They have Jason Roy and Jos Buttler at the top. Both are in reasonable form and Roy played an amazing knock in the last game. Jonny Bairstow batting at four is a big decision the team has taken,” he added.
English skipper Eoin Morgan has been short of runs in 2021. The southpaw displayed a poor show in the IPL 2021 and hasn’t been to his best in recent times, which will be an area of concern.
“But, Morgan’s form is like a perennial issue. It is the issue of 2021, he just hasn’t scored. He is in untested territory and Australia will target him with short balls and yorkers. Don’t see him getting freebies.”
Despite having a reasonable combination of experience and freshness in England’s bowling attack, Chopra rates the Australian attack better and strong.
“In the bowling, England have good variety. They have proper spinners in Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. In the pace department, there is Chris Woakes and Tymal Mills. Man-to-man, Australia are still the better side.”
