Australia Squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Here’s a Look at Australian Team’s Expected 30-Man Players List for the Mega Event in England

Defending champions Australia go into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 with things certainly not all rosy how it used to be four years ago. A series of below-par performances, in addition, to the change in management and players, has caused a slow down in the growth of Australian cricket. But the Oz cannot be undermined and they will start as one of the favourites for the Cup. Team selection is crucial for the Cricket Australia as they expect some of their big names to be available for the tournament just in time.

Let us look at the 30 players that will likely make the preliminary Australian squad for the 2019 World Cup in England. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule in PDF: Ticket Prices, Dates, Venue Details & Timetable Available for Download Online.

Aaron Finch: The Australian limited over cricket captain is a crucial member of the squad with his fine batting up top. He has a decent batting average in ODI and will play every game in England.

Glenn Maxwell: The hard-hitting Maxwell had lost his way a bit a few seasons ago but is slowly making his way back. In addition to his quickfire knocks, is a decent bowler and a fine fielder.

Chris Lynn: He has recently been dropped from the Australian ODI squad and although his chances of making it to the final list are remote, he can be used as a cover in the preliminary squad.

D’Arcy Short: The left-handed opener burst onto the international scene with quite a vigour but lost his place in the recent series with India. He has responded well to the snub with improved performances in domestic cricket and it will not be a surprise if he makes a comeback soon.

Shaun Marsh: Veteran batsman Shaun Marsh has the last chance to shine on an ICC platform for his country. He has been getting runs off late and his role would be to hold the middle order for Australia. India Squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Here’s a Look at Indian Team’s Expected 30-Man Players List for the Mega Event in England.

Jason Behrendroff: A good showing in domestic cricket earned Jason Behrendroff an Australian ODI call up and has 2 caps to his name. He can be quite productive with the new bowl and looks like he will be one of the frontline pacer for Australia in England.

Usman Khwaja: He is more known as a test specialist but his ability to absorb pressure makes him an ideal candidate for the Australian top order. But he will need to work on his scoring rate if he is to make the final cut.

Mitchell Marsh: The Australian all-rounder has been at the peripheral of the ODI squad for quite some time now but has the potential to stake claim to a World Cup berth. He needs to get back to playing at the level expected of him though at the earliest.

Marcus Stoinis: He has quickly become an indispensable part of the Australian team in limited overs cricket showing good consistency. He will be difficult to dislodge from the Aussie lower order in ODI cricket.

Steve Smith: The best Australian batsman in terms of sheer talent, Smith should be in contention for the World Cup since his ban gets over well before the mega event in England. Lack of playing at the highest level may go against him but should make the 30 man list.

David Warner: Along with Smith, David Warner too is in the reckoning for the World Cup and Australia will have to take a gamble on him for the opening slot. His inclusion will lead to an axing of a star man in the top order which makes things interesting. Pakistan Squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Here’s a Look at PAK Team’s Expected 30-Man Players List for the Mega Event in England.

Peter Handscomb: The right-handed batsman with a technique of his own is quickly taking his experimental wicketkeeping job to a pro level. There are talks of him being the wicketkeeper for ODIs too just like T20s which may allow Australia to field an extra batsman.

Alex Carey: Australia’s regular wicket-keeper’s place in the team is in danger with the arrival of Peter Handscomb on the scene. He will need to improve vastly with the bat if he wishes to be part of the playing eleven in the World Cup.

Matthew Wade: It is strange despite averaging close to 45 with the bat in domestic cricket, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade continues to be overlooked. With few months remaining, Wade can still try and stake a claim for the second wicket-keeper in the team.

James Faulkner: The forgotten man of Australian cricket who bowled his way past New Zealand to help his nation lift the 2015 World Cup. He has overcome the knee injury that kept him out for a while and is determined to make the squad for the World Cup in England where he has played a lot of cricket.

Travis Head: The left-handed middle order batsman was unlucky to miss out playing against India recently but is in the scheme of things of the selectors who rank him highly. The Australian middle order is not a finished product and Head can be vital to their cause.

Moises Henriques: An experienced hand with both bat and bowl, Henriques is more of a bowling all-rounder that can contribute lower down the order. He has not played for Australia since 2017 which may go against him.

Michael Neser: Pacer Michael Neser was included the squad that traveled to England for an ODI series in 2018. Although he featured in only one game, his performances in domestic cricket make him one of the faces in the preliminary squad.

Adam Zampa: The young leg spinner is certain to make the ODI team for the World Cup and had done okay with whatever limited opportunities he has got with the Men in Yellow.

Nathan Lyon: There is a stark difference in Nathan Lyon in Tests compared to the limited over cricket and with only 17 caps to his name, he is likely to miss out making it to the final squad.

Ashton Agar: The selectors made it clear Ashton Agar was unlucky to miss out against India at the start of the years which means he is one of the spinners that will make the preliminary team.

Fawad Ahmed: Fawad Ahmed has played three ODI games for Australia and the Pakistan born spinner has made it clear he wants to be part of the World Cup squad by quitting first-class cricket.

Mitchell Starc: Currently injured, Australia’s premium fast bowler and the star of the 2015 World Cup would be a key figure in England when Australia begin their defence of the Cup.

Jhye Richardson: Right arm fast bowler Jhye Richardson has been making it to the Australian team for the past several fifty over series. He can also bat a bit coming lower down the order which is an added bonus.

Billy Stanlake: The 6 feet 8 inches tall Billy Stanlake is the tallest Australian ever to play international cricket but it is not his height but his impressive bowling that will likely put him on the flight to England.

Andrew Tye: Known for his miserly bowling in the death overs, Andrew Tye has become some sort of T20 specialist but is hopeful he can deliver in the 50 over format as well.

Josh Hazelwood: Currently recuperating from a back injury that has seen him miss a host of games, Josh Hazelwood is a quality fast bowler that can destroy the opposition line-up single-handedly on his day.

Peter Siddle: The inclusion of Peter Siddle in the ODI team to face India recently shocked everyone as the veteran pacer played a game after nine years for the Men in Yellow. The bowler though is more of a cover for the other preferred choices who are recovering from injuries at the moment.

Nathan Coulter-Nile: Nathan Coulter-Nile is a go-to bowler for Australia in the limited overs format and will be a key figure in the middle overs for Australia where they will look to contain the opposition. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm-Up Matches Schedule: Check India’s Fixture Dates Against New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Pat Cummins: Pat Cummins starred for Australia recently in the first T20 with the bat to help take his side home. In addition to his swing bowling, he does contribute with the bat which makes him special.

This is how the Australian preliminary squad for the 2019 World Cup could look like which makes a few things clear-they have quality fast bowlers but need good spinners and stable middle order.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 26, 2019 04:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).