It's World Cup season, and when we talk about cricket, who better than Australia to pick as the favorites to win the tournament? In this article, we take a look at the final Australia ODI World Cup squad, their probable playing 11, and why they have a better chance than other teams to put another trophy in their cabinet.
Australia is the most successful team in the history of the ODI World Cup, winning the title five times already in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. In what could be another tournament-winning campaign for Australia, they will go in with a 15-member squad. Having already announced their squad, Australia are all set for their World Cup journey on Indian soil.
Presenting your 18-player squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, as well as two lead-in series against South Africa and India! 🏆🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/h6jVWYJvMy
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) August 7, 2023
Contents
Australia's ODI World Cup squad
Australia, earlier, became the first side to name its 18-player preliminary squad for the ODI World Cup 2023. Later, they named their 15-member squad. The Aussies have a power-packed squad without a shred of a doubt.
Specialist batsmen
It is a blessing for Australia that they have more all-rounders than specialist batters.
- Travis Head
Running in red-hot form, Travis Head is a can't-miss in the Australia ODI World Cup squad. Head will take on the opener's role, and having already played in India at the same position, the Kangaroos will have a sense of security associated with him.
- David Warner
Partnering head at the top of the order will be David Warner. Though his form is blowing hot and cold, he still cannot be discounted just for the fact that he flickers the switch mostly for good in the ICC tournaments.
Most Runs in winning cause in ICC tournaments:
— 12th Khiladi (@12th_khiladi) July 15, 2023
Rohit Sharma – 3498
Virat kohli – 3471
David Warner – 3056
Joe Root – 2987
Steve Smith – 2624@ImRo45 🫡💥 pic.twitter.com/qojFto0tqa
- Steve Smith
The Aussie No. 3 Steve Smith is a sure-shot pick in the Australia ODI World Cup squad.. He happens to be the second Australian batter to be among the top 10 in the ODI rankings, along with David Warner.
In the preliminary Australia ODI World Cup squad, Marnus Labuschagne's name is nowhere to be seen. While Australia could have stuck their neck out with Labuschagne, who averages around 31 in the ODI format, it is now unlikely that he will get a chance in the main 15-member squad.
Wicket keepers
Here are the wicketkeepers in Australia’s ODI World Cup squad.
- Alex Carey
Alex Carey will likely be first-choice wicketkeeper in the Australia ODI World Cup squad. He can be quite handy with the bat in the middle order and has World Cup exposure, having played the tournament in 2019.
- Josh Inglis
After being the third-highest run-scorer in the Big Bash League 2022–23 and also getting an ODI call-up for Australia after a string of good performances at the domestic level, Josh Inglis came in the frame for the World Cup selection. He has not been tried much yet but is being kept as a backup to Carey.
Australia have not groomed any other gloveman apart from Carey and Inglis, and ergo, there is little possibility to include someone else in this category.
All rounders
With a wealth of quality all-rounders in their ranks, Australia lies miles ahead of any other team on this front. Here’s who we say they’ll go with come September:
- Ashton Agar
Ashton Agar could be the only left-arm spinner in the Australia ODI World Cup squad. While the pitches in India can quite possibly already be a hunting ground for the spinners, Agar, who is not a wicket-taking option, can be used to dry up the run-scoring in the middle overs. He is not typically a batter but can very well hold up one end.
- Glenn Maxwell
Australia has another all-rounder in Glenn Maxwell. Again, he is someone who can be used to reduce the flow of runs with his off-spin. The swashbuckler is a potent white-ball batter and can use his IPL experience to full effect.
- Mitchell Marsh
A capable batter and a handy medium-pacer, Mitchell Marsh is a package. Australia used him as an opener in their previous ODI series against India. However, with Head and Warner going to don that role, Marsh could bat at number four in the ODI World Cup 2023.
- Marcus Stoinis
With his raw power and military pace, Marcus Stoinis is ready to set the stage on fire. It is between him and Cameron Green for the remaining all-rounder spot in the XI, but Australia most likely will prefer him.
- Cameron Green
Another mighty all-rounder, Cameron Green, is certain to make it to the Australia ODI World Cup squad. However, it will be tough for him to be included in the XI as the Australian contingent is already filled with too many multi-faceted players.
Australia have kept Aaron Hardie in their pool of 18 players. He is yet to debut in international cricket. He was the top-scorer in the Big Bash League 2023. While I do not think Australia can take a punt on him as the other all-rounders are literally undroppables, he surely can be among the standbys. Sean Abbott is another option but again, it is quite hard for Australia to push for his inclusion.
Specialist bowlers
Australia's bowling unit comprising four fast bowlers and a spinner is one of the bests in the tournament.
- Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins will lead Australia in the ODI World Cup in 2023. Although Tests are his go-to format, he is no less of a bowler even in ODIs and can also play vital cameos while batting at number eight for Australia.
- Mitchell Starc
Like most of the teams, Australia is also certain to have a left-arm pacer in their squad. Mitchell Starc is ranked second in the rankings for ODI bowlers. One cannot even imagine how lethal he can be with both new and old balls.
- Josh Hazlewood
Sitting at the top of the pedestal in the ODI bowler rankings, Josh Hazlewood brings in the dimension of bounce with himself. He can bounce out batters even on Indian wickets. However, Australia may decide to leave him out of their 11 when they select Agar as their second spinner.
4. Sean Abbott
Sean Abbott wasn't in Australia's initial 18-member squad. However, the fast-bowling all-rounder made his way into the 15-member squad. The Aussies left out Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie and Tanveer Sangha from their initial squad for the World Cup.
- Adam Zampa (spinner)
You do not know how good he is. Ask Virat Kohli. Though stats may paint a different picture, the great ODI batter has often been on the receiving end when pitted against Adam Zampa. The leg-spinner is also a must in Australia's playing 11.
Tanveer Sangha was in the preliminary Australia ODI World Cup squad. Since, Australia already had a leggie as potent as Zampa, it was always difficult for some someone like Sangha to find a place in the main squad.
Probable Australia ODI World Cup 2023 playing 11
Looking at how the Australia ODI World Cup squad has shaped up ahead of the tournament, their playing 11 should be as follows:
- Travis Head
- David Warner
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Marsh
- Glenn Maxwell
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Marcus Stoinis
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- Ashton Agar/Josh Hazlewood
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
After examining this team and their back-ups, there is no denying the fact that Australia are better-placed than any other team to lift the ODI World Cup 2023 trophy.
Their strength lies in the fact that there is hardly any weakness to point out. Even nitpicking is hard to indulge in. Ferocious top-order, dashing middle order, first-rate all-rounders, and top-notch bowlers—Australia are in a league of their own.
Their indomitability is further compounded by the fact that they are the only team to defeat India in India in an ODI series since 2016.
