T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest Australia Predicted Playing XI against South Africa

In the first match of the Super 12, Australia is all set to lock horns with South Africa on October 23 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Australia won their first warm-up match against New Zealand but couldn’t carry the momentum further against India. The Men in Yellow lost their next practice match against India by eight wickets.

Australia enter this tournament on the back of a dismaying run in T20Is. The team lost their bilateral series to Bangladesh and West Indies recently. However, the side that played these series missed some key players in the side. Now, with the pivotal names all set to take the charge of the field, Australia will be all raring to make their impact in the tournament.

The team has a good batting lineup and has enough depth in it. Though the form of some players is a concern for them, there are a few key names that have enjoyed some good time on the ground ahead of the start of the mega event.

Here is Australia’s strongest Playing XI for AUS vs SA Match:

Openers – Aaron Finch (C) and David Warner

Though both the openers haven’t had an impressive run with the willow lately, the team is expected to go ahead with them in this match. Their star batter David Warner’s form is also a big area of concern for them. However, the team is adamant that Warner will bring a shift in his fortunes.

In the recently concluded IPL as well, Warner experienced a lean patch with the willow and was dropped from the team after he registered consecutive low scores. His disappointing form also continued in the practice matches wherein he departed on a duck and 1 run against New Zealand and India respectively.

Captain Aaron Finch who has made a comeback from the knee injury too doesn’t have enough match practice. However, both of them have enough experience of playing in the format and on their day, can win the game singlehandedly for the team.

Middle Order- Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade

Australia’s middle-order has some impactful names with the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, and Matthew Wade. Marsh has been one of the players who largely contributed with both the bat and the ball, during Australia’s recent bilateral series against West Indies and Bangladesh. Steve Smith, on the other hand, looked in fine touch in both the warm-up matches.

In the first practice game against New Zealand, he scored 35 runs whereas, in the next match against India, Smith hit a half-century. His strike rate though was a bit concerning, but he is one of the important cogs of the team’s wheel and will be determined on performing for the side in the mega event. Keeper-batter Matthew Wade too can chime in the crunch moments and make valuable contributions to the team.

All-rounders – Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis

When it comes to all-rounders, Australia will have their spirits high with the presence of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. The former has been in exceptional form lately and will look forward to taking the momentum further for the side. In the recently concluded IPL as well, he chipped in 513 runs at an average of 42.75.

Maxwell also comes in pretty handy with the ball. Taking into account the playing conditions in the UAE, he can be a great asset for the side as he can chime in to provide much-needed breakthroughs to the team. Stoinis, on the other hand, has the prowess to send the ball out of the park and can score quick runs for the team. He also possesses the ability to take the charge of the ball and turn the fortunes of the game upside down.

Bowlers – Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Australia’s prime spinners Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa weren’t among wickets recently. During their tour to Bangladesh, both the spinners struggled to make an impact, however, in the practice matches, both of them looked in fine touch and that will be a huge sigh of relief for Australia heading into the tournament.

Zampa was economical against New Zealand in their first practice game. He picked up two wickets at an economy rate of 4.25 in his quota of overs. Their pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc can disturb the best of batters with their pace. Their contributions in the marquee event will be pivotal for the side.