Australia is the most successful team in cricket when it comes to the ICC World Cup tournament. The Australian national cricket team has lifted the coveted World Cup trophy record five times, most by any team. And at the 2019 edition of the Cricket World Cup, the Aaron Finch-led side will enter as the defending champions. The Australian team is ranked fifth on the ICC rankings for ODIs. Schedule of Team Australia at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: List of AUS Matches, Time Table, Date, Venue and Squad Details.

After the 2015 cricket World Cup victory, Australia lost their way and in 2017 were hit by ball-tampering controversy. After the ball-tampering scandal, Australia lost two of its most valuable batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith for a year due to suspension. Tim Paine initially took over the captaincy duty from Smith but later Aaron Finch was handed the responsibility. Meanwhile, both Warner and Smith are back in the Australian team and are set to feature in Australian colours for the first time in international fixtures since the ball-tampering scandal. Meanwhile, as Australia look to defend their World Cup title, we take a look at each player in their 15-man squad. Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Here’s a Look Back at How Australia Fared at the Last Edition of the CWC.

Aaron Finch: As mentioned above, Finch took over the captain from Tim Paine and has since then done a reasonable job. Under his leadership, Australia defeated India in India and Pakistan in the UAE in ODIs before heading for the World Cup. Finch is a solid opening batsman and if need be can play in the middle-order as well.

Jason Behrendorff: The 29-year-old pacer made his ODI debut against India earlier this year and has played handful of ODIs. He is more of a backup bowler in the squad.

Alex Carey: He is the only specialist wicketkeeper in the Australian side. Carey apparently bats down the order and will be required to up the ante most of the times. With a career strikes of 83.46 it will be interesting to see how Carey performs.

Nathan Coulter-Nile: He is one of the experienced bowlers in the Australian side. Coulter-Nile has developed into a handy batsman down the order and is known for his big hitting abilities as well. Australia will, however, need his services more in the bowling department.

Steve Smith: Former skipper Steve Smith is a vital cog in the Australian batting line-up. Smith is one of the modern greats and he will raring to go after the one-year suspension. Smith’s presence will ease Finch-the captain.

Usman Khawaja: With solid batting technique, Khawaja is an important part of Australia batting. Just like Finch, Khawaja can bat in top-order and in the middle. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: David Warner, Adam Zampa and Other Key Players in the Australia Team for CWC.

Nathan Lyon: A key member of the Test team, Nathan Lyon might not be that important in Australia’s scheme of things when it comes to ODIs. Lyon, however, if handed an opportunity can be a good wicket-taking option when the ball is turning.

Shaun Marsh: The left-hander is a solid middle-order batsman. But with the return of Steve Smith and Khawaja’s good form, Marsh may not be a regular member of the playing XI. He is a good backup in case of an injury to any batsman.

Glenn Maxwell: The right-hander plays the role of a finisher in the Australian team. In the middle-order, Maxwell holds an important position and his ability to accelerate at will makes him a dangerous batsman. Maxwell is also a useful part-time off-spinner.

Kane Richardson: Another of those back up players in the Australia squad. Kane came into the Australian squad in place of injured pacer Jhye Richardson. Kane is a useful death-bowling specialist.

Pat Cummins: Another of those experienced bowlers in the Australian line-up. Cummins is an important member of Australian bowling line up. He is more than handy as a batsman as well. Cummins will be Australia’s first choice seamer for big games. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Bouncers to Be the Wicket-Taking Ball This WC, Says Australian Pacer Pat Cummins.

Mitchell Starc: He is undoubtedly the leader of the Australian pace attack. However, of late, the left-arm fast-bowler has struggled with his injury. Fully-fit Starc is a valuable asset in the Australian team and a potential match-winner with the ball.

David Warner: Australia hopes of lifting the World Cup arguably depend largely on David Warner. Ever since returning from the one-year suspension, Warner has been in superb form. In the Indian Premier League 2019 (IPL 2019) Warner showed his hunger to score. And he will be eager to show it on an international stage as well.

VIDEO: Meet the Players Who Have Played World Cups for Two Different Countries

Adam Zampa: The leggie is Australia’s main weapon in the spin department. And his role in the middle overs will be to chip away with wickets. Zampa has featured in 44 ODIs and has taken 60 wickets.

Marcus Stoinis: All-rounder is an important part of the Australian team. Apart from his big-hitting ability, Stoinis is a useful bowler as well. His slower deliveries are hard to get away with and in death-overs, he can be effective.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 01, 2019 12:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).