The ICC World T20 is one trophy that Australia haven’t laid their hand on. They have won the World Cup on numerous occasions, have tasted success in the Champions Trophy as well and were the number one side in Test cricket for well over one decade. But, in four attempts at the World T20, they haven’t won the event even once. The progressed to the final in 2010, but came across and inspired England. In 2007 and 2012, they were outdone in the final and in 2009, they did not even progress to the semis. Australia will be keen to turn things around in Bangladesh.
Strengths: Australia have a number of players who are very well suited to this format of the game, and will be looking to take full advantage of this fact. David Warner has played himself into exceptional form against the South Africans, and could prove to be doubly dangerous in the World T20, with the kind of confidence he has gained. Cameron White’s Test and ODI career may have finished years back, but he remains one of the most dangerous T20 hitters. The young Glenn Maxwell, who earned a million dollar deal in IPL 6, will also be expected to play some smashing knocks.
There is plenty of all-round ability as well in the Aussie squad. Shane Watson may be having a mixed time in the other formats, but in T20s, he is among the most resourceful players. James Faulkner is another player in the same vein, who can deliver with bat and ball. In fact, on his day, he can be more dangerous than even Watson, and he has proved the same in recent times.
Weaknesses: Some players in the Aussie squad seem past their prime, and yet the Australians are persisting with them, possibly because they do not have complete trust in their youngsters. Left-arm spinner Brad Hogg is now 43 and hasn’t done anything exceptional recently. Still, he finds himself in the Aussie squad. Brad Hodge recently played a match-winning knock against South Africa, but he is almost 40, and one cannot expect him to deliver outstanding results. All-rounder Daniel Christian also hasn’t proved his worth in spite of being given numerous opportunities. Rather strangely, skipper George Bailey is not viewed as good captain in spite of being in charge of the T20 side for nearly two seasons now.
Opportunities: As mentioned at the start, Australia have never won the ICC World T20. Considering their impressive present form, they have a decent chance of going all the way this time round. Threats: The event is being held in Bangladesh this year. Traditionally, Australia have never done well on the sub-continent, just as teams from Asia have struggled in Australia, South Africa and England. The conditions will present a massive challenge for Bailey and his men. It remains to be seen how Australia respond to the same.
--By A Cricket Analyst
