Australia's Probable Squad for Cricket World Cup 2015

Australia’s unprecedented record of winning three consecutive World Cups’ in a row was ended by the mighty Indians in 2011 World Cup. This loss ended an era of sheer domination of Kangaroos in the world cricket. The era which had seen them cruise over almost all the teams to claim the title for 4 times. During which Australia also maintained a winning streak for 34 consecutive World Cup matches, a record which would take real-time and effort to be bettered or even equaled.

Though Aussie are not the same dominators anymore yet one cannot simply count them off as they look to regain the title at home. A rejuvenated Australian team under the stewardship of Michael Clarke and mentor ship of Darren Lehman would leave no stone unturned in their quest to become champions of world again.

They have a versatile team filled with explosive batsman, wicket taking bowlers and a bunch which can switch jobs too .This versatility of the squad will provide them depth in both batting and bowling which will be absolutely pivotal in their 2015 World Cup campaign. This tournament is all set to test the real character of the team not only in terms of performing but also handling the pressure of home crowd. Besides a good all round team they will have the profound advantage of playing in their home conditions as Australia host the cricket world cup after 23 years. This also makes them a massive favorite to lift the illustrious trophy.

Probable Team

Openers: David Warner, Aaron Finch

Reserve: Philip Hughes, Shane Watson

After the departure of Hayden and Gilchrist, Australian team struggled in the opening department; they tried a number of combinations until they found this ballistic duo of David Warner and Aaron finch who in the last couple of years or so have become one of the most explosive opening pair in World Cricket. They both are more than capable of making runs at the speed of knots and generally get Australia off to a flyer. However, their prudency and technique will be tested if the pitches aren’t the placid one. Philip Hughes has done a decent job whenever he is being asked to fill Warner or Finch shoes so he in all probability will be the backup opener of the team at the same time they have the experienced Shane Watson to be called up if required.

Middle Order

Expected: Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell

Reserves: Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith

Middle order will revolve around the talismanic figure of their captain Michael Clarke. He will have to lead from the front and set examples for his team to follow. The team will look up to him to play the role of Michel Bevan i.e. to take their team to the finishing line. The flamboyance and big hitting adroitness of so-called ‘BIG SHOW’ (Glenn Maxwell) can change the complexion of match within few overs, whereas experience of Watson at the crucial No.3 slot will look to provide the impetus to the team, he will be the vital player in their artillery as he will be expected to see off the new ball if a wicket fell early or accelerate if the situation demands.

With the kind of form George Bailey has shown in the last year which earned him a place in the ICC ODI team of the year of 2014 he will be expected to be a regular starter so the toss-up for the final place in the middle order will be among Maxwell, Smith and Mitchell Marsh.

Wicket-Keeper

Expected: Brad Haddin

Reserve: Mathew Wade

Australia will have seasoned professional in the form of Brad Haddin behind the stumps .He has been a dependent force for the baggy greens behind the stumps in the past few years and is more than capable of making some handy runs lower down the order. If required he can open the innings too so that vindicates his batting prowess.

All-rounder

Expected: Shane Watson

Reserve: Steve Smith

The pool of talent that this Australian team is carrying around can actually confuse someone. They have a few players who are best with their ability a batsman and a bowler at the same time and can fill in up as an opener, a middle order batsman and even a finisher. Such is the case with both these guys Shane Watson and Steve Smith.(also read England’s Probable for WC 2015)

Spinner

Expected: Xavier Doherty

Reserve: Nathan Lyon

Though spin is not expected to play a crucial role in this ICC cricket World Cup but, a team does need a tweaker to add variety to its attack. The slower bowler in Xavier Doherty can be used tactfully to run away with the middle overs quickly and cheaply. It will also let the pace battery relax a bit and store the potential energy for the final charge.

Fast Bowlers

Expected: Mitchell Johnson, Kane Richardson, Mitchell Starc, James Faulkner

Reserves: Sean Abbott, Coulter Nile

Australian team is blessed with enormous bowling talent that would make any cricketing nation envy them. Mitchell Johnson, leader of their attack has been in phenomenal form in the past one year, bowling consistently at 150+ and demolishing stumps and confidence of the batsman’s simultaneously. Calling him just a good bowler will be a huge understatement, he is the Piece-de-resistance of the Australian team and a wrecker-in-chief for opposition. (also read leading wicket takes in WC)

Mitchell Starc, most probably will be Johnson’s new ball partner.Starc is someone who can match him ball to ball with pace, and an accurate bowler himself. Kane Richardson who has been a recent entry into the team has been consistent in the games that he has played which makes his chances prominent. As the world cup is less than 100 days away and current form is Something that will finally count. James Faulkner for his pinch-hitting ability might cut an edge over Nathan coulter Nile and Sean Abott who will be their reserve bowling option.

Bowling in the latter stages of the game is a concern for almost all international team but with someone such as Mitchell Johnson and genuine death over bowlers like Faulkner and Starc, this department can be the strongest point of the Australian team. Not to forget Shane Watson whose experience can be categorically effective in the slog over’s of a game.

Besides that vast fast bowling prowess they possess, spin bowling still remains a point to ponder over for Darren Lehman and team management. Selectors haven’t selected any spinner in the team for the ODI series against South Africa and this is a sign which means Australia might not select a genuine spinner in their squad and will be bank on the likes Maxwell, Smith and Clarke to give some overs of slow bowling . But still this is a World Cup and the way Australia like to play it they would surely not like to leave this hole unsealed and pick Xavier Doherty and Nathan Lyon in the squad.

There bating looks solid, bowling is phenomenal and have got some lighting like fielders such in Clarke, Warner, Bailey and Maxwell. The genuine all-rounders put cheery on top so this Asia-pacific country have tick mark on almost all of the departments of game and indubitably will be a mighty contender for the World Cup 2015. Albeit, injury concern can be a thing to worry for the Australian team as their best bowler Mitchell Johnson, their captain Michael Clarke and premier all-rounder Shane Watson has been a regular part of injury list in the past few years.

Note: This is not an officially announced or guaranteed squad for the world cup but a probability based on the author’s own views and opinions.