CT 2017, Match 5, AUS vs BAN – Australia Predicted XI

After a lucky escape against New Zealand the other day, Australia can’t afford to slip in this game against Bangladesh. The rain intervened a steep chase of 235 from 33 overs for Australia and they had already lost 3 wickets in the first nine overs. Bangladesh on the other hand, are coming from a one-sided drubbing against hosts England.

Australia are widely tipped to reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. They, though, will have to win both their remaining group games to reach the final four which puts them under considerable pressure. They have a great side which is led by a dynamic captain, Steve Smith. The World Champions were slow to start against New Zealand and couldn’t do much when Kane Williamson was going great guns. It was towards the end of the innings, where Australia did reasonably well to stop the Kiwi juggernaut led by their fast bowler Jos Hazlewood’s career best 6/55.

Bangladesh are up against a side they have beaten just once in 19 ODI games. They have a side who will give the Australians tough competition but lack in giving the finishing punch. After scoring 305 in their first game, they saw the hosts got home in a canter with 8 wickets in hand. Such a loss is demoralising for the entire unit. Mashrafe Mortaza needs to pick them up and boost their morale ahead of this make and break game for his side.

We bring you to the Predicted XI of Australia as follows:

Openers (David Warner and Aaron Finch)

Warner was off to a typical start against the Kiwis but his innings was cut short by Trent Boult’s hard length delivery to which the star opener wanted to clobber over point but could just edge it back to the keeper. Warner plays in an aggressive fashion and knows his game very well now. His recent ODI numbers have been dexterous. Australia needs him to fire as he has the capability of playing long innings at the ODI level.

Finch’s ODI returns in the last 18 months have been very ordinary as he averaged 27.81 in the last 28 innings where he has scored 723 runs. The right-handed batsman is under pressure to perform for a failure here might prompt Australia to pick Chris Lynn instead of Aaron. The bulky batsman is capable of taking the attack to the opposition and has formed a decent opening stand with Warner over the years.

Middle Order (Steve Smith, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell and Mathew Wade)

Smith will be eager to perform. Big players often want to do their best at the big stage and Smith won’t be any different. He looked in imperious touch the other day as he struck two cover drives for four before rain stopped play. The 28-year old has expressed his desire to win the tournament for Australia and has to step up in this significant game for his country.

Henriques has been in decent form. He was amongst the runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL which concluded last month, and has been entrusted with the responsibility of batting at No. 4. He was off to a decent start hitting three boundaries before he offered a caught and bowled chance to Adam Milne. Henriques has never batted at 4 before but has all the attributes to succeed at that position.

Maxwell comes into the tournament with some kind of form as he made runs for his franchise during the latter stages of the tournament. He batted once in the practice game but got out without scoring. A player of his ability doesn’t need too many runs behind his back t go into a tournament. It is all about rhythm for Maxwell and if he gets a couple from the middle fo the bat, he will be on his way to his devastating best.

Mathew Wade, like Maxwell, likes to get on with it without wasting too much of time. Batting at No. 7 doesn’t allow him with any time anyway. Wade has had a stupendous outing this year scoring 148 runs in 4 innings at 49.33 which includes a brilliant run-a-ball unbeaten 100 against Pakistan earlier in the year.

All-rounder (Travis Head)

Head is a talented young all-rounder for Australia. He doesn’t mind batting at any position for his country as long as he is playing the game which shows his tremendous team spirit. After a steady first year in international cricket in 2016, this year has been exceptional for this 23-year old as he has scored 328 runs in 7 innings at 54.66 which includes a maiden hundred and two fifties. Australia can bat Head at No. 4 as he has a solid technique.

Bowlers (Pat Cummins, Jos Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa)

Cummins was targeted by the Kiwis in the opening game as the fast bowler was hit for 4 sixes in his 9-over spell. He gave away 67 runs and could pick the solitary wicket of Anderson. The fast bowler is expected to be backed as he has been in good bowling form. The fact that he can contribute with runs late down the order, add to his advantage.

Hazlewood recorded career-best figures of 6/52 and was majorly responsible in pegging the Kiwis back in the end overs. From being in a dominant position at 254 for 3, New Zealand could manage to add just 37 runs in the next 6 overs and lost 7 wickets. Hazlewood was largely responsible for this as he bowled exceptionally well at the death. In a short career of 36 ODIs, this 26-year old has already picked 3-five wicket hauls. He holds the key for the 2-time CT champions with the ball.

Mitchell Starc is the leader of this attack but could not make much of an impact in the first game. Starc returned with figures of 0/52 which, by his standards, is an ordinary performance. The left-arm bowler will steam in when he gets to bowl against Bangladesh, who are not great players of out and out fast bowling.

Adam Zampa might be given an opportunity to play this game for Hastings was expensive in the last one. Zampa gives the ball a fair bit of rip and can be a wicket-taking option in English conditions. The 25-year old has already picked 34 wickets from the 22 ODIs he has played in.