Predicting the Australia Team to Start the ICC World Twenty20
Australia are blessed with one of the deepest pools of players in world cricket, and with the ICC World Twenty20 just a few months away, they have plenty of options available.
With so much top-quality talent at their disposal, there are sure to be some tough decisions to be made concerning the balance of their team and the players who make it up.
And, with the ICC World Twenty20 set to be held in India, they will have a decision to make about the number of spinners in their team to take advantage of the turning pitches there.
The next international tournament hits in March, and Australia will be expected to make a big impact in its latter stages.
With that in mind, let’s predict the XI they will likely field come the ICC World Twenty20.
1. David Warner
One of the first names on the teamsheet in all forms of cricket, David Warner is the best opening batsman at Australia’s disposal.
Elevated to vice-captain behind Steven Smith in Tests and one-day internationals, his aggressive style will serve him well in the ICC World Twenty20 as the Australians look to build a strong platform.
2. Aaron Finch (Capt)
Alongside Warner, Aaron Finch can expect to be the other opening batsman. He's been team captain since 2014 and has shown himself to be a very accomplished international operator.
His aggression has always stood him in good stead, and Finch will be hopeful of making a big impact having made himself a key player for Australia.
3. Steven Smith
Another player guaranteed to have his name on the teamsheet is Australian Test and ODI captain Steven Smith, who will also most likely bat at three.
Another who can play aggressively where necessary but also sensible enough to rebuild, Smith is set to be a superstar for Australia in the coming years.
4. Chris Lynn
The position at four in the order is in a state of some flux. With Shane Watson’s Test career coming to an end, selectors may look toward younger candidates in the limited-overs formats as well.
As such, Chris Lynn could well be in with a shout of making a name for himself, having impressed in various Twenty20 leagues around the world already.
5. Glenn Maxwell
One of the most exciting cricketers in the world, Glenn Maxwell is another shoo-in for Australia at five in the batting order.
With his off-spin sure to be very useful in India and his electrifying fielding also a highlight, Maxwell is a multi-faceted player of the highest order.
6. Matthew Wade (wk)
Perhaps another position up for grabs is that of wicketkeeper, but for the time being, Matthew Wade seems to have done enough with bat and gloves to keep his place.
The left-hander has been the cause of some brilliant Australian batting recoveries, and at six, he can play a key role in the closing stages of an innings.
7. Mitchell Marsh
An all-rounder who has stepped up his game in the last few months, Mitchell Marsh could well find himself in the team as another useful option with bat and ball.
The seamer may well find opportunities limited in spin-friendly India, but with his strong batting, he could still have a role.
8. Mitchell Johnson
One of the best seamers in world cricket, Mitchell Johnson should be on course to compete in the ICC World T20 in March.
He may have lost a little of his bite in the last year, but Johnson is still one of the best, especially in the game’s shortest form.
9. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc has shown himself to be a very good bowler with the white ball, and that means he will be expected to deliver great things for Australia.
Another left-arm seamer with bags of ability, Starc can generate prodigious swing and pace, even on the most lifeless of surfaces.
10. Pat Cummins
Struggling with yet another injury, Pat Cummins will be disappointed to find himself sidelined but should get back in the side if he recovers in time.
The seamer is one of the fastest bowlers around, and when he is on song, he is capable of taking wickets against any team.
11. Nathan Coulter-Nile
Yet another quick bowler in Australia’s enormous arsenal of seamers, Nathan Coulter-Nile may well fancy himself to get into the side for the ICC World Twenty20.
The right-armer has shown plenty of potential in international cricket, and now he just needs a few more opportunities to prove he belongs permanently.