Published: Feb 02, 2015, 04:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 02, 2015, 05:33 PM (IST)
Australia steamrolled England to win the tri-series at Perth on Sunday and sent out a very strong warning to their opponents ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. In home conditions, this could be the team to beat with strength all-round. There may be a few worries, but Australia look good following their recent run of form. Nishad Pai Vaidya analyses Australia’s strength.
Dangerous openers: Given the home conditions, David Warner and Aaron Finch are arguably the most dangerous opening pair going into the ICC World Cup 2015. Warner is in the form of his life and presents a threat with his aggression upfront. Finch is in a similar mould, albeit right-handed. Both batsmen have the ability to attack from the word go and also consolidate when the situation demands. In Australian conditions, they are a tough proposition to deal with and bowlers will not find it easy against them.
Strong middle order: Barring George Bailey’s poor form and Michael Clarke’s injury woes, Australia have a good middle order. If either of Bailey or Clarke rises to the occasion, it would be one solid unit. With Steven Smith in great form, they have a talisman who can guide the innings in the middle. Glenn Maxwell is an unpredictable but dangerous force, and can transform the complexion of the game. Mitchell Marsh has also shown reliable qualities and he forms a good partnership with Maxwell. And then there is a Brad Haddin, who has the experience. James Faulkner also adds with his pinch-hitting.
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Mitchell Johnson: England were blown away by a Mitchell Johnson spell during the tri-series final. It puts into perspective the kind of impact he has on a game. There may be the odd days where he may go for a few runs, but in Australian conditions, he is a dangerous proposition. His return was very encouraging for Australia leading up to the ICC World Cup 2015. Though there may be good wickets in general, Johnson still remains a match-winning force.
Pace attack in general: While Johnson may be the talismanic figure in this bowling attack, but there are the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. Starc in particular is a wily one-day bowler and can even outshine Johnson on his day. When you look at this as a unit, it makes an ominous reading. They have been together for some time as a team and have the goods to bring out their best. Add to that, there is Faulkner, who is a limited-overs specialist.
A few worries: Though Xavier Doherty had a good outing in the first game of the tri-series, he played only one more game with all the focus on pace. Also, Clarke and Bailey are a bit of a worry going into the World Cup. Faulkner pulled up during the tri-series final and his fitness may give Australia a few nervous moments.
Encouraging recent results: Australia come in with a lot of success. They beat Pakistan 3-0 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last year, then defeated South Africa 4-1 at home and then clinched the tri-series. The consistency in their performance has been sustained.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)
