CWC 2019: Team Review – An un-Australian World Cup
Australia started to peak right before ahead of the World Cup, embarking on a winning streak. This raised hopes ahead of the start of their campaign a team that was struggling for 18 months in ODI cricket all of a sudden found themselves as one of the favourites. They performed exceptionally well in the group stages, comfortably qualifying for the semi-finals, before finally being knocked out by a rampaging English unit in the semi-finals.
All in all, though, it proved to be a promising tournament for the Australians, who remained competitive throughout despite not looking at their imperious best. They also managed to successfully reintegrate both Steve Smith and David Warner into the setup, which will serve them well for challenging fixtures ahead. There were also a few positives in the bowling department.
Here we analyse Australia’s campaign at the 2019 World Cup:
What went right?
The form of three of their key batters in the ODI set-up during the tournament – David Warner, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith was a big boost. In Alex Carey, Australia have unearthed a gem, finding a long-term solution to not only the wicketkeeper-batsman position but also a potent finisher. Starc again showed the world why is regarded as the most fearsome bowler in ODI cricket, with a record-breaking performance. With the core engine of the team functioning well, Australia could become a fearsome prospect again with a couple of additions with a couple of refreshing additions to the squad.
What went wrong?
A lot of expectations were placed on the shoulders of all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who both had a reputation of being big strikers of the ball. Both the players had a sub-par tournament, to say the least. While Maxwell was, well, typically Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis struggled throughout the tournament with a side strain. Their failure to provide momentum at the end cost Australia big time on many occasions, with the pressure firmly on the top-order and the bowlers to cover up for their constant failures. The tournament may well prove to be the end of the road for someone like a Maxwell, as the team management may opt to go in a different direction.
Find of the tournament –
Alex Carey has been a big success story for the Australians, with his consistent performances throughout the tournament. He showed in spades, that he could be highly flexible, adapting his game according to the situation. He emerged as a genuine finisher for the side and his good form earned him a promotion to No.5 in the batting order for the semi-final against England. He ended the tournament with 375 runs in 10 matches, at an average of 62.50 and a strike-rate of 104.16. He was also consistently reliable behind the stumps, with 20 dismissals to his name.
Areas for improvement –
It may well be time for Australia to move on from the likes of Maxwell and get in a more reliable finisher down the order. The middle-order of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith also looks a bit outdated in modern ODI cricket, with both the players ideally suited for the role of an anchor. Australia need to get a more proactive batter to play in the top 4 to replace Khawaja. The pace department is also highly reliant on the performances of Starc and the likes of Pat Cummins will have to up their game. They will also need added depth in the pace department in the scenario of either of the two pacers breaking down, despite some good showings by Jason Behrendorff. Stoinis will also have to perform much better with both the bat and the ball, to justify his place as the undisputed starting all-rounder in the squad.
