A Review of the Australian T20 World Cup squad

The World T20 World Cup is fast approaching. This year, it will be held in the tourist Mecca of Bangladesh. Known for its sunny beaches and world class infrastructure, the touring players will he hard at it trying to stay concentrated on the cricket rather than the bikini clad women.

Australia is currently ranked 6th in the ICC T20 World Rankings. Prior to the recent 3 – 0 walloping of England, they were ranked 8th. That position, is now held by, well….England

Are Australia on the up? I don’t know. I’m just a guy who writes stuff. However, we were given the T20 squad today for Australia and it is my duty to review it for your reading pleasure

George Bailey (Capt, Hobart Hurricanes)

Although an average Test number 6, Bailey is clearly one of the world’s premier short form batsmen. He will need to read up on his team mates, given he recently in Melbourne used Brad Hodge to open the bowling and didn’t give him a bat. What is ominous for the other nations is that his International T20 average and strike is higher than in domestic leagues. Expect him to star

Dan Christian (Brisbane Heat)

Surprisingly not a religious man, all rounder Dan earns his place in this squad due to an T20I batting average of 6.00 and a bowling economy of 8.59. Just like you did when you heard Srinivasan was soon to be the new ICC president, we ask how did we allow Dan’s inclusion to happen?

Nathan Coulter-Nile (Perth Scorchers)

The man who was part named after the longest river in the world, Nathan brings big hitting and strong bowling to the team. His highest score of 16* is masked by the fact he averages 41.00. Facts is facts. He will be a leading wicket taker in the tournament with his death bowling…..not that you are likely to die from it, but it will be hard to score from

James Faulkner (Melbourne Stars)

The great thing about James Faulkner is that he once asked to take a photo with me.

It also helps that he can play cricket. Perhaps a surprise selection only on the basis that 2 weeks ago, he was on crutches. However, up and going, he can play as hard as the rest of them. Like a young racehorse, he will only get better after each run.

Aaron Finch (Melbourne Renegades)

More dodo than Finch, this bird is just as likely to fall like a lead balloon as he is soar like an eagle. In fact, I wrote about his want to make 0 or 100 in this article. For the sake of the Australian team, let’s hope he can put up a few quick 50’s to match the ducks we will see

Brad Haddin (Sydney Sixers)

It appears that John Inverarity is capable of the odd good decision. Dropping Wade…oh the irony….for a keeper that can actually catch is a smart move. Haddin’s batting numbers in T20I’s are not world class, but given he is in the form of his life, I don’t expect that his past performances will be reflective of what we will see in Bangladesh.

Brad Hodge (Melbourne Stars)

Hodge had to remind his captain that he was a batsman and not an opening bowler after his comeback to the T20I stage in January. However, the guy has nearly 6,000 T20 domestic runs with 41 half centuries. Refrain from any drinking games that cause you to take a sip every time the commentators mention his age

Brad Hogg (Perth Scorchers)

The guy with the most lethal Chinaman action in world cricket comes into the team at the expense of Nathan Lyon. In red hot form in the Big Bash, Hogg is one of the rare individuals still playing cricket who can remember what it was like in the Battle of Fromelles.

Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars)

The Big Show is the modern day Jonty Rhodes. More likely to be picked for his fielding than anything he does with the bat or ball, Maxwell needs to take this opportunity to prove he is not the worst investment since shares in WorldCom

James Muirhead (Melbourne Stars)

Hats off to the young 20 year old who in an amazingly short period of time has leap-frogged Fawad Ahmed and John Holland to be Australia’s new Shane Warne. All he is lacking is a good sex scandal and a plastic face. I love the way he throws the ball up as well as being able to turn it. Has the potential to return the best spinning figures for the tournament…or not.

Mitchell Johnson (Brisbane Heat)

For whatever reason, Mitch loves the subcontinent pitches. Remember, it was his ODI form against India in India that allowed him to be picked for the return Ashes in Australia. At the top of his game with the ball. If he can get his mojo back with the bat, will be more damaging than a match fixing allegation is to Chris Cairns’ media career

Doug Bollinger 

Old. No hair. No wickets in the Big Bash. High economy rate in the Big Bash. A logical replacement for Mitch Johnson

Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers)

Is this the tournament where Starc announces himself to the world? A tremendous talent with the ball who can bowl quickly and at the toes. He has a T20I average of 16.00 and an ER of 6.00. Strong numbers. He also swings the bat with some skill

David Warner (Sydney Thunder)

In partnership with Finch, Warner could leave this T20 World Cup with an aura akin to Greenidge and Haynes. He could also leave with the same reputation he has now. A slogger done good. Take a drink every time his girlfriend Candice Falzon is described as a “positive influence”

Shane Watson (Brisbane Heat)

It has not been a good few weeks for Watson. The cricketing world was shocked when it learnt he was injured and may not play. He also lost his biggest wanker title to Jade Dernbach. However, if he does play, expect him to bounce back with exceptional character and win a game or two with his batting.

Cameron White (Melbourne Stars) 

Along with Bailey, possibly the most inform T20 batsman in the world at the moment. A huge hitter who can also send down some dibbly dobbly leg spinners that don’t turn

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So there you have it. I would suggest that the squad is almost as good as it could be. You could argue for a few potential substitutions, but there are no glaring errors or holes in this squad apart from Dan Christian.

Australia could just about win this thing you know.

 
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