ICC World Cup 2019: Lets have a look at the Australian cricket team’s strengths and weaknesses

Australia will play its first WC match against Afghanistan on June 1, 2019. Let’s have a look at their strengths and weaknesses as they get ready for the big tourney

STRENGTHS:

1. Balanced batting line-up and comeback of these star players

Led by Aaron Finch, this Australian cricket team has one of the most balanced batting line-ups. The return of their star players David Warner and Steve Smith will give them an extra edge. These two players who were banned from international cricket, made a huge comeback in the IPL 2019. David Warner, being the leading run scorer in the league, also won the orange cap. He averages 43.43 in One Day Internationals along with Steve Smith, who has an average of 41.84 in ODI’s.

2. Bowling:

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc played an important role in Australia’s win in the 2015 World Cup with 22 wickets in his kitty. He was also named as Man of the Tournament for his exceptional bowling. Mitchell Starc, in his 75 ODI matches, managed to pick up 145 wickets with a bowling average of 21.44. This lethal bowler, along with the likes of Adam Zampa, Jason Behrendroff and Kane Richardson, will prove to be a nightmare for the batsmen.

3. Defending champions
Five time-World Cup champions, the Australian cricket team has set up a huge record when it comes to this big tournament. Australia, has won 4 trophies in the past 5 World Cup games (1999,2003,2007 and 2015) alone. The defending champions will be all set to repeat history and bring the cup back to their dressing room.

WEAKNESSES:

1. Wicket keeping

The return of Steve Smith led to the exclusion of  Peter Handscomb  from the World Cup squad. This made Alex Carey their sole wicket keeper which can trouble the Australian squad in the tournament. Handscomb scored 628 runs in his 21 One Day Internationals with a batting average of 34.88. 

2. Fitness

Fitness will be a major concern for the Australian cricket team. Mitchell Starc and Jhye Richardson has both been out of the squad, due to their injures in the recent past. Jhye was ruled out of the World Cup due to his shoulder injury and was replaced by Kane Richardson. Usman Khawaja recently injured himself in a game against West Indies where he was struck by a bouncer. It will be crucial for the Australian Cricket Team to take the necessary precautions to avoid further injuries.