The Australian Cricket Team happens to be the defending champions of the ICC T20 World Cup. The team has been dominating international cricket ever since their thumping defeat to India at the Gabba. Since then, the team has become more dominant than ever. They went on to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 that was held in UAE and further went on to annihilate England in the Ashes. Australia is currently ranked number 1 in the World Test Rankings. They are number 5 in T20Is. So, how will the Australian side shape up ahead of them hosting the ICC T20 World Cup 2022? Here’s a look:
Australian Cricket Team Schedule for T20 World Cup 2022:
| Date | Match Between | Day | Venue | Time |
| 22nd October 2022 | Australia VS New Zealand | Saturday | Sydney Cricket Ground | 18:00hrs Australian Local Time |
| 25th October 2022 | Australia VS Group A Winner | Tuesday | Perth Stadium, Perth | 19:00hrs Australian Local Time |
| 31st October 2022 | Australia VS Group B Runner Up | Monday | The Gabba, Brisbane | 18:00hrs Australian Local Time |
| 4th November 2022 | Australia VS Afghanistan | Friday | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 18:30hrs Australian Local Time |
| 28th October 2022 | England VS Australia | Friday | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 19:00hrs Australian Local Time |
Australian Team for ICC T20 World Cup:
1) David Warner will play for the Australian Cricket Team:
Coming off from a decent TATA IPL 2022 season with the Capitals, David Warner is the front runner to open for Australia. He has had problems with his hamstring in the recent past and hence, his injury management is very important. Warner was an integral part of the squad that won the championship last time around. David Warner was named “Man of the Tournament” at the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. His attacking style of play always helps the Aussies to start a flyer. He can also play the anchor role if required.
2) Aaron Finch:
Aaron Finch and David Warner are the top-opening combinations for the Aussies. Finch is right-handed and Warner is left-handed. Finch has been in the cricketing circuit for a very long time and is one of the most experienced players. He will also be the captain of this team. He is a big match player. In the games where other batters find it difficult to time the ball, Finch plays the most illustrious cover drives.
3) Mitchell Marsh will play for the Australian Cricket Team:
Mitchell Marsh is the top all-rounder on the globe. He is an exclusive commodity in the T20 format. No other player offers such a great mixture of the bat, ball, and the field. If anyone comes closer, it is his Australian pal, Marcus Stoinis. Marsh’s career has taken a path of a resurgence since 2020. He started playing up the order and since then has started doing wonders. He times the ball to perfection. He plays spin very well too. In the recent past, Marsh has been averaging over 45 in T20s and is playing at a trike rate of 140!
4) Steve Smith:
Steve Smith will be the glue in this team of big-hitters. Players like Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis and even David Warner can freely express themselves. The reason is the presence of Steve Smith. He is a very well-planned and strategic player. Smith knows when it is his time to sit back and watch and when it is his time to come to the driver’s seat. Many T20 franchises haven’t used him to his potential and hence the reason he is not a very big-ticket player in the franchise leagues.
5) Glenn Maxwell will play for the Australian Cricket Team:
The Big Show will be screening this October! Glenn Maxwell features in my list of players to watch out for. He is going to be very impactful this time around. Maxwell loves playing at home. He loves to hit the ball out of the park on those huge Australian Grounds. Maxwell will also have a huge role with the ball in hand. He can be effectively used to neutralize the left-hand batters like De Kock, Ishan Kishan, or any other lefty for that matter. He is expected to bowl in the powerplay.
6) Marcus Stoinis:
Marcus Stoinis is the ideal finisher for any T20 team. The Australian team is blessed to have this sensation. “The Hulk” as he is addressed by a few of his teammates is known for big hitting at the slog overs. He has a strike rate of 185+ in the last 5 overs. He is not a power-hitter but relies on timing. Marcus is a player who has stepped in the footsteps of Shane Watson. He offers multi-faceted skills to the Australian team. The much-required balance is provided by him.
7) Matthew Wade will play for the Australian Cricket Team:
Matthew Wade is coming off from a decent TATA IPL 2022 season with the Titans. AT 38 Wade doesn’t have age on his side. But he is fit as a 22-year-old. You need players like Matthew Wade in crucnch situations. Wade has been associated with the national team for a very long time. He has a truck-load of experience and that will come in handy in important situations. Just as a reminder, Wade was the one who hit 3 sixes off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the World Cup Semi-Final.
8) Adam Zampa:
One of the top leg-spinners on the globe, it is a pity that Adam Zampa did not play in the IPL. With leg-spinners ruling the roster Zampa will also have a good time at the World Cup. The Australian pitches are big and when a breeze comes into play, the batters cannot hit the ball across. So, if Zampa can make effective use of these conditions, he can reap maximum benefit. He is not afraid to fly the ball and pitch it up. This makes him a wicket-taker. He may go for runs, but he will get the job done.
9) Pat Cummins will play for the Australian Cricket Team:
Pat Cummins, the Vice-Captain of the Australian white-ball team will also be in my squad. He will bat number 8. Cummins can just find a way to walk into any white-ball team. He has a complete package to offer with the ball in hand. Add to it his batting and his fielding and this makes it an elite combo. Daniel Sams, to date, gets nightmares about that 35-run over! Pat has a well-directed bouncer and makes effective use of his height.
10) Mitchell Starc:
Mitchell Starc doesn’t need any introduction. If an Australian team is picked for an ICC event, Mitchell Starc’s name should be on the team sheet before anyone else. One may certainly tag him as an average performer in recent times but when it comes to the big matches, Starc brings out his best. He has a lethal, in-swinging, yorker. He makes a mockery of every right-handed batter with his left-arm angle.
11) Josh Hazlewood will play for the Australian Cricket Team:
Josh Hazlewood will be on my team as well. This trio of Cummins, Halewood, and Starc is the most dominant fast bowling unit on the planet. One can get rid of two and the third one will get you. Hazlewood is a good package for the powerplay overs. He can bowl all his four at the beginning or if required, he can bowl one at the death. His death bowling was above average for RCB at the TATA IPL 2022.
12) Daniel Sams/ Kane Richardson will play for the Australian Cricket Team (Back-Up Fast Bowler/ All-Rounder/ Left-Armer)
13) Mitchell Swepson (Back-Up Spinner)
14) Josh Inglis will play for the Australian Cricket Team (Back-Up Opener)
15) Alex Carey (Back-Up Wicket Keeper)
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To know more go to the official website of the Australian Cricket Board.