India vs Australia 2019: 5 players who could make a difference for Australia
Australia have been going through lot of turmoil in their limited overs performances in the past 15-18 months. They have had to rebuild and think of constructing a side without many of their regular match winners and contributors missing in action.
David Warner and Steven Smith who were critical to their team's rise in the limited overs format especially post the ICC World Cup 2015. In recent times, post them getting banned for their involvement in the 'Sandpaper' scandal, Australia are feeling the vacuum left by their absence both in terms of what they bring to the table as performers but mainly on the leadership front.
Aaron Finch has had to step in and fill the rather large shoes left with Steven Smith missing in action. Australia have had to completely work out what combination would work, and in that process have selected players and ask them to play in roles that may not entirely suit them.
There have been many factors that explain Australia's recent decline in shorter versions of the game, but irrespective of that they could have been better. It was the time for some talented players to take ownership in absence of stalwarts like Steven Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Some players have serious potential and can be world class, but they just haven't been able to stitch together consistent performances over a period of time. Keeping that aside, India mustn't forget that Australia are the current World Cup holders and are a very proud and fiercely competitive cricketing nation.
In the 2 T20Is and 5 ODIs that would start from February 24th, India would know that they will start favorites as they are playing in their home conditions and also they are going through a purple patch off late under Virat Kohli's captaincy.
Australia will start as underdogs heading into this series. But that could play in their favor as that would give some of their biggest match-winners the perfect platform to express themselves and showcase their talent.
Here's a look at 5 players who could make the difference for Australia in their limited overs tour to India.
#5 Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa is a promising leg-spinner who has managed to become Australia's number 1 option for a front line spinner in ODIs and T20Is off late. He has had a reasonably steady growth ever since making his debut for Australia.
He has managed to impress for his BBL franchise Melbourne Stars with some tidy spells which has curtailed the opposition. It is due to his performances in the BBL and for Australia that he was bought by the now defunct IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiant.
Although he didn't play too many games and didn't create that much of an impact, his experience in playing in Indian conditions will hold him in good stead. The challenge is going to be daunting - bowling to the Indian batting lineup on batting-friendly pitches.
Adam Zampa has shown enough poise, control and accuracy to get the breakthroughs for his team and make a difference for the visitors.