Familiar Australia set for Champions Trophy

Michael Clarke’s Australia have arrived in England after their disastrous and demoralizing tour of India. Australia will play Champions Trophy and Ashes Series in England.

The selectors have named quite a few uncapped players. John Inverarity has selected the squad based on their Sheffield Shield performances. George Bailey has had an outstanding Sheffield Shield Season and Clarke would be hoping that he replicate the same performance in Champions Trophy. John Inverarity has also picked Coulter Nile for Champions Trophy as he had handsome average in the domestic competition. But there is a shred of doubt whether he would be versatile bowler English conditions.

Adam Voges has also returned to Australia ODI squad after a gap of three months. He was part of Australia Champions Trophy squad in 2009. But he didn’t get enough opportunities to play in that particular tournament. However, his return for Champions Trophy certainly strengthens the middle order. He scored a tremendous century against West Indies in February 2013, and that would have certainly boosted the confidence in him. He also played a lot of County Cricket matches in England and therefore he can get accustomed to the conditions quickly. He should bat at top of the order, perhaps at four as he has the ability to steady the ship if an early wicket falls. However, Australia will be heavily reliant on Voges, in case, the top order fails to contribute.

Mitchell Marsh has also marked his entry into the national squad after a gap of two years. He had a good season for Warriors in Ryobi Cup, accumulating 278 runs at an average of 69.50, including a century against Tasmania. He has also been the consistent performer in 50-over format as he averages 39.50 with the bat and 24.85 with the ball. This will be his first tour to England and needs to adapt to the conditions quickly. The wickets in England provide both pace and bounce and therefore, Mitchell Marsh would not find it difficult as he has played a lot of Cricket at Perth. He could bat at number five as Australia have two experienced batsmen ahead of him.

Shane Watson’s form will be critical from Australia’s point of view. Shane Watson should open the batting with David Warner as both are aggressive in nature. Shane Watson has the ability to play a big innings if he opens the batting. Also, his presence in the middle would ease the pressure on young Australia batsmen. Also, David Warner’s contribution will be critical for Australia as they have inexperienced batsmen in middle order. The middle order batsmen comprises of Philip Hughes, Tim Paine, George Bailey, Doherty and Adam Voges. Philip Hughes hasn’t been in best of form with the bat in India. Tim Paine has returned to Cricket after two months and therefore he may not cause significant damage. The only recognized batsman in the middle order is Adam Voges. So, the top order needs to contribute to shield the middle order.

James Faulkner has also marked his entry into the Australia squad. He had a good IPL Season for Rajasthan Royals as he picked 28 wickets. Faulkner’s inclusion stabilizes the batting order. He is a genuine all-rounder. He has got wide-range of shots and therefore he could cause some damage lower down the order. As Australia have young blokes in the squad, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have James Faulkner down the order.

Australia have formidable bowling attack in the form of Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell Johnson has been the leading wicket taker for Mumbai Indians. He has already toured England and thus he is familiar with the conditions in England. The wickets in England provide pace and bounce and there will be good carry to wicketkeeper. Mitchell Starc is a tall guy and hence he can extract extra-bit of bounce from the wicket.

He had a tremendous ODI Series against West Indies in February 2013 as he was the highest wicket taker in that particular Series. Michael Clarke will be hoping that he can replicate the same performance in England. Also, Mitchell Johnson is generally a good swinger of the new-ball. So, there are two contrasting bowlers at the top for Australia. This is enough for them to keep the opposition in check.

Australia have picked good squad for Champions Trophy. The bowling looks strong and looks like the one that can take 10 wickets, but it’s the batting that should click for Australia.