After talking about India, now let?s talk about the great Aussies. Australia the winner of 4 World Cups in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007 are still regarded as many as one of the favorites along with India and Sri Lanka to lift the trophy. Although Australia had a miserable Ashes series and there One day team is also not as strong as that in 2003 and 2007 editions, but still you can?t take the Aussies lightly. The current drubbing of ?5-1? against England in the ongoing series DownUnder emphasis how dangerous Aussies can be.
Still the number one ODI side in the world, Australia has a tremendous ability to raise their games in big tournaments like the World Cup. Winners of the ICC Champions trophy in 2009, Australia are one of the major contenders to lift the World Cup trophy in Sub-Continent. Even though skipper Ricky Ponting is not in the best batting forms and even his spot in the team is under threat but still Cricket Australia has restored faith in Ricky Ponting to lead the side in this year?s World Cup.
Australia has a nice blend of youth and experience in their squad. Players like Ricky Ponting, Micheal Clarke, Bret Lee, Mike Hussey, Shaun Tait and Shane Watson already know what it is like playing in the World Cup, while others like David Hussey, Cameroon white, Brad Haddin have loads of experience playing in 1st?class cricket. ?Youngsters like Steven Smith, Tim Paine and John Hastings add zeal and flair to their squad.
Australia has a solid batting line up with a proper blend of class and aggression. Shane Watson at the top of the innings has an ability to rip apart even the best bowling attacks in the world. Ricky Ponting when in full flow is one of the best players to watch in International Cricket. Clarke known for his solid technique adds stability to middle order. Mike Hussey (if fit) can win games from hopeless situations.
Players like Cameron White, Brad Haddin can hit a ball a long-distance. All-round abilities of John Hastings, David Hussery and Steve Smith and can be of great use in sub-continental conditions. When it comes to bowling Australia have two of the fastest bowlers in International cricket today namely Shaun Tait and Bret Lee who can bowl consistently at a speed of over 150 kms per hour. They also have the likes of Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger and Shane Watson in their fast bowling armory.
Nathan Hauritz is there No 1 spinner along with Steven Smith. They are not in a same league as the great Shane Warne but still can be dangerous especially in slow & lower pitches. David Hussey is more than a part time off spinner and can be of great use especially in the middle and even in the death overs.
Even though Aussies may be missing the services of legends like Gilchrist, Mc?grath, Haydos and Shane Warne they still are the force to reckon with in the biggest carnival of cricket. The winner of the last three world cup tournaments and the last two being under the captaincy of Ricky Ponting, Aussies would be hoping to repeat the magic once again and Ricky would give his heart and soul to be the only captain in the history of cricket ?to have won three world cups in row which will make him a true legend of the Australian cricket.