ICC World Cup 2019: Who are the biggest game-changers for Australia?
Less than 100 days are remaining for the biggest tournament in the world of cricket, the ICC World Cup 2019, to kick off in London. This is a tournament that the whole world looks forward to for four whole years.
For cricket fans, the World Cup is a festival that they can celebrate together. Fans who are divided during the T20 leagues of their respective nations, come together and unite under the country's name for ICC events.
As of now, India and England are looking like the favorites to win the World Cup, but you never know. There are teams like Australia, South Africa and Pakistan who could also have their chances. That's not to forget the Black Caps, the runner-ups at the last World Cup; they could also be a threat.
Every team has a player or two who can turn matches around for them single-handedly; those players have the potential to win matches for you from any situation. Who are those game-changers in the Australian cricket team?
The simple answer is: Steve Smith and David Warner.
The defending champions are going through one of the roughest patch in their cricketing history. And ever since the ball-tampering issue that occurred while they were playing a Test series against South Africa, both Smith and Warner have been out of the game.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that these two are the biggest match-winners in the Australian team. After their suspension Australia have suffered greatly, even losing series at home.
However, Smith and Warner will be returning to cricket towards the end of March and might walk straight back into the side, because Australia clearly need them. They are both nursing an injury at this moment though, and their recovery is a question mark.
When these two get back into the squad their form will not be a surety, but their presence itself will surely boost the Australian team. And you never know what can happen with that renewed confidence; Australia could well get back into the groove and shock the world.
As soon as Smith and Warner come back into the setup, they will immediately take back the mantle of game-changers. Their track record is no less than astounding, and they are runaway match-winners for the Australian cricket team.
These two players hold the key to how far Australia progress at the World Cup this year, although defending the cup seems difficult right now.