ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Team Review - Australia

Australia Squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vc), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty

Batting -

Strengths

The Australian Batting looks almost invincible on paper, what with the firepower of Finch, Warner and Watson at the top of the order. Steven Smith has blossomed into one of the most consistent players across the globe and with Maxwell, Haddin, Faulkner, Johnson in the lower order the Aussie batting line up can send a shiver down the spine of any bowling attack in this World Cup.

Weakness

While having dashers in your batting can be advantageous but it can also lead to your downfall as they are regularly prone to a collapse. Clarke is currently injured and there are serious question marks if he will be ready in time to lead the Aussies out on the park. His deputy, George Bailey has not been particularly inspiring confidence with his batting displays of late as well. These two players are the only ones who play with a calm head and if the Australians have to win the Cup then they will require Clarke and Bailey to fire.

Rating - 7.5/10

Bowling - 

Strengths

There is pace and there is fire in the Aussie bowling line up. Johnson, Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins can all breathe fire with their pace, bounce and swing. Mitchell Marsh and James Faulkner provide the variations in pace. Xavier Doherty is the lone spinner in the squad and he will have an important role to play for the Australians.

Weakness

And then there is the story of Being Mitch!! While Johnson and Starc can be ruthless on their day they can also spray the ball around on bad days. Cummins and Hazlewood are relatively new at the top level while Doherty as the lone spinner is very surprising considering they had Lyon who has been a revelation of late in 5 day cricket. There is no bowler there in that line up who can be relied to keep a tight line and length when under the pump.

Rating - 7.5/10

Fielding - 

Strengths

I will tell you what, one glance at that squad and the team seems full of live-wires on the field. Warner, Maxwell, Finch, Marsh, Smith are all agile and the fast bowlers all have terrific throwing arms which will be a huge plus on the big playing fields down under.

Weakness

Frankly, I do not spot any weakness in the fielding department in that squad apart from maybe Clarke, if he is not fully fit but is still selected to play. But if he is fully fit then he too is a class act anywhere in the field.

Rating - 9/10

Overall Summary

The Australians will try to regain their supremacy in ODI cricket and they will have the home support behind them right throughout their campaign. The Kangaroos have the required manpower to lift the trophy and they will be thoroughly motivated come February the 14th when they take on arch rivals England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground!!

Rating - 8/10

Given Below are the other Team Reviews that I have done

Bangladesh
England
India
New Zealand
Pakistan
South Africa
Sri Lanka
West Indies