Having won the last year’s 20-20 World Cup in UAE, the Australian team is a favourite this time around as well. Playing at their home, the Aaron Finch-led team would be looking to complete the first-ever title defence of the 20-20 World Cup.
Australia will be playing against their friendly neighbours New Zealand in their World Cup opener. Speaking about the upcoming match, Australia head coach George Bailey has all but confirmed the playing XI for the first match. Australia has a set top-order batting lineup as well as a sorted bowling lineup. Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are also confirmed into the squad which leaves just one position in the middle which was contested. Bailey has now come out and confirmed that Steve Smith won’t be in the starting XI.
“I think all the members of our 15 have a role to play but I don’t think that will be starting in the 11 for Steve. I think that should we need a role from him at some stage, then absolutely,” Bailey told The West Australian. Bailey also shed light on Mitchell Marsh’s ankle injury and thinks that he’ll be ready soon.
Fully expect Mitch to be available- George Bailey
“He is tracking well. I don’t think it is any secret that our all-rounders are an important part of our structure. I think he has hit all the markers that he wanted to but I think given the importance of that (allrounder) structure it is not something we wanted to risk too early but I fully expect that Mitch will be available and ready to go, whether that is Saturday or game two,” Bailey added.
After a lengthy discourse Cricket Australia finally chose Pat Cummins as Australia’s new ODI captain. David Warner, the former captain who was banned from leadership roles following Sandpaper-gate, was also in contention for the role, but it did not come to fruition. Bailey was however supportive of Warner and thinks that his behaviour has improved massively.
“I think it’s a credit to David that a number of people externally who are now saying it’s a no-brainer that he should hold a leadership position were, 18 months, two years ago, some of the strongest advocates for him having a life ban.
Australia predicted XI against New Zealand: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stionis, Tim Wade Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins
