ODI World Cup 2023: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI against Bangladesh

Australia (AUS) have roared back into the ODI World Cup 2023 with six consecutive wins after starting the campaign with two back-to-back losses. Having already sealed their spot in the semi-finals, the former five-time champions will play their last league game on Saturday, November 11 against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

The 'Men in Yellow' are coming off a phenomenal win against Afghanistan on the back of Glenn Maxwell's scintillating double century. Australia will look to continue their winning momentum, with the knockouts on the horizon. Meanwhile, Bangladesh would be looking for a win to confirm their top-eight finish on the points table and guarantee participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Here's Australia's Predicted XI against Bangladesh:

Openers: David Warner, Travis Head

Travis Head and David Warner form what is arguably the most dangerous opening pair in the ODI World Cup 2023. The former scored a blistering century on his comeback from injury but has managed just 11 in his next two innings. However, Head's ability to take the attack to the opposition will always make him a threat.

David Warner has been in impeccable form so far in the tournament. He is placed at number four on the list of highest run-getters in the tournament. Warner has scored 446 runs in eight games at an average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 108.25. He has amassed one fifty and two hundreds in the competition thus far.

Middle Order: Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (WK)

Steve Smith missed the last game against Afghanistan as he was suffering from vertigo symptoms. However, he is expected to return to the playing XI and Marnus Labuschagne could be the one to sacrifice his spot for the former Australia captain. Smith has not been in great nick as he has scored just one fifty in seven games and is averaging 29.29. Australian fans would love to see their talismanic batter return to form ahead of the semis.

Josh Inglis has chipped in with some useful contributions for Australia. He hasn't been consistent but has shown the ability to go after the bowling from ball one and the management has trusted him ahead of the experienced Alex Carey.

All-Rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis

Mitchell Marsh has blown hot and cold in the World Cup. After playing seven games, the star all-rounder has scored 249 runs at 35.57. He has registered one fifty and one century. He has bowled just 42 balls and taken a couple of wickets.

Glenn Maxwell battled cramps against Afghanistan to play arguably the best ODI innings of all time. His double century helped Australia to chase down the target of 292 after being reduced to 91/7. Maxwell is expected to be fit for this clash and he would love to continue from where he left in Mumbai.

Marcus Stoinis has not been in great nick. The 34-year-old has scored just 87 runs in five games at 21.75 and picked up three wickets at 32.67. If he gets going with the bat, the Australian side will begin to look invincible.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Bowlers: Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Pat Cummins has not been at his best with the ball but has played some important knocks with the willow. He scored a patient 12 runs off 68 balls and gave Maxwell great company in the game against Afghanistan. Cummins has picked up 10 wickets in eight games at an economy rate of 6.05. He has led the team well and fans would love to see him live up to his potential in the business end of the tournament.

Josh Hazlewood has been the most impressive Aussie pacer in the tournament. He has picked up 12 wickets in eight games at an average of 29.67. His economy rate is also a decent 5.22. Hazlewood's spell with the new ball is a joy to watch and Bangladeshi openers will have to be really careful against him.

No bowler took more wickets than Mitchell Starc in the 2015 and 2019 editions of the World Cup. However, this time, he has not been able to work his magic. In eight games, he has picked up 10 wickets at an average of 43.90 and an economy rate of 6.55. If he can get his rhythm back against Bangladesh, it would give the team a lot of confidence heading into the semis.

Adam Zampa is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 20 wickets from eight games at an impressive average of 19.20. He has given Australia crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs and has stopped opposition teams from laying a solid foundation for the backend of the innings.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Australia predicted XI - Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood