ICC Champions Trophy team preview - Australia
An Australian team is in England right now and quite inevitably, it has got people talking about a hundred and thirty years old urn. But before the traditional rivals fight it out over five Tests, there is a little matter of the Champions trophy in its final edition to be done with.
The Australian team was on the verge of complete disintegration during the Indian tour in February-March, their last international assignment, where apart from enduring a 4-0 whitewash, they also had the homework-gate to worry about. But that nightmare is behind them now and the two time victors and the current defending champions, pitted alongside England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in group A, will be starting as one of the favourites in the tournament.
Batting
The skipper Michael Clarke was in superb touch last season and once again the team’s batting will revolve around him. It will be interesting to see if he can regain his touch coming back from a forced two and a half months break following a re-occurrence of a chronic back problem. While the presence of seasoned campaigners Shane Watson and George Bailey lends experience to the line up, the likes of David Warner and Adam Voges will provide the firepower needed in limited overs cricket.
Bowling
The bowling is centred around its very potent seam attack. The steady Clint McKay has been a regular performer in the ODIs and he is likely to share the new ball with left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who can be lethal with his swing at the start of the innings. In the recently concluded IPL, Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner wrecked havoc with the ball and their presence will ensure that the opposition will constantly be under pressure.
The only drawback in an otherwise formidable attack seems to be the spin department where Xavier Doherty is the lone specialist along with some part time back up from Glenn Maxwell.
Opportunity
Another big factor in favour of the Australian team is the number of seaming all-rounders they have at their disposal. Apart from Watson, Clarke can also make full use of the likes of James Faulkner, Mitchell Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile for a similar role. While their big hitting abilities will be useful towards the end of the innings, their bowling in the English conditions should be more than handy.
Threat
The English media is known to be obsessed about the Ashes and each move of the Australian team will be scrutinized, keeping the Test series in view. Clarke and his men will have to ensure that they don’t get distracted by the Ashes talk and focus on the job at hand.
Key Players
Shane Watson: The big hitting all-rounder scored back to back hundreds in the semifinal and the final of the last edition of the Champions Trophy and he would be keen to continue his big scoring efforts in the tournament. Also the fact that he is bowling now provides a much needed balance to the side.
David Warner: The explosive left handed opener had a hard time in India and he will be keen to show that he has come out wiser from the tour. With the kind of talent he possess, his batting at the top of the innings can prove to be the difference. His fielding is also an asset to his side.
Prediction: Even though it is a team in transition, few will be surprised if Australia goes all the way and captures its third consecutive Champions Trophy title. Given the experience of their line-up and pedigree of their attack, anything less than a semifinal spot will be disappointing.
Squad: Michael Clarke, George Bailey, Philip Hughes, David Warner, Shane Watson, Mathew Wade, Mitchell Marsh, Adam Voges, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Xavier Doherty, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell
Fixtures
1. Australia vs England – 8th June – Edgbaston, Birmingham
2. Australia vs New Zealand – 12th June – Edgbaston, Birmingham
3. Australia vs Sri Lanka – 17th June – Kennington Oval, London