Australia vs Afghanistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Preview: Spirited Afghanistan take on Australian might

Perth: Australia take on Afghanistan in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 clash at the WACA, Perth. It is an important game for the hosts, who are coming off a defeat to New Zealand in their last game. So far, Australia have had three games with one victory, one defeat and one game washed out. Thus, every game is important for them as they aim to finish close to the top in the group. Then, there are Afghanistan, who are itching to prove their mettle at the highest level. SCORECARD: Australia vs Afghanistan in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

The game will be played on a good surface at the WACA. If the previous game is anything to go by, this pitch will have good carry and enough bounce. The curator expects it to be a good wicket at the WACA and there should be decent bounce, which the bowlers can purchase. That brings Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson into play. Starc has been in great form in one-day cricket and is coming off a good spell. While Johnson has not had a very good time, home coming may suit him well. Steven Smith hit in nets, but expected to play against Afghanistan

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Having said that, the Afghanistan pace attack is also an inspired lot. Shapoor Zadran was one who hogged the attention. The tall left-armer is brisk and can bowl some nagging lines. Then there is a Dawlat Zadran, who banks on movement to get wickets. This duo has a lot of bearing on Afghanistan’s fate. They will be up against a strong batting line-up, that can tear into any bowling attack. A real test awaits the West Indies. Of course there is Hamid Hassan, who is rated quite highly and would be inspired to put in his best. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Aaron Finch and David Warner will be eyeing a good start, while a lot of the eyes would be on  Shane Watson, who hasn’t been able to convert his 20s and 30s into big scores. Michael Clarke is gradually making his way back and would want to spend some time in the middle to get going. The middle order has to spend time in the middle following a disappointing performance against New Zealand the other day. Top 10 fielders in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

On the other hand, the Afghanistan batting is not considered their strongest suit as they are dependent on bowling. This unit will be up against the two Mitchells and have to apply themselves well. Their all-out attack approach may not be the best way to go about things. Nawroz Mangal, Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Stanikzai and Samiullah Shenwari have to use their experience to guide this batting line-up in this game. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Australia will be missing Pat Cummins, who is out due to an injury. There is a possibility of James Faulkner coming back into the side and that will help the Australians regain some balance leading into this game. This game would be about the Afghan spirit against the Australian might. At the outset, it is safe to say that the Australian might may prove too strong in the end.

Teams:

Australia: Michael Clarke (c), Aaron Finch, David Warner, George Bailey, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Josh Hazlewood.

Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (c), Afsar Zazai (wk), Nawroz Mangal, Samiullah Shenwari, Javed Ahmadi, Gulbadin Naib, Nasir Jamal Ahmadzai, Asghar Stanikzai, Hamid Hassan, Shafiqullah Shafiq (wk), Shapoor Zadran, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran.

Time: 12:00 IST | 06:30 GMT

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(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)