Australia Cricket Team: Strength And Weakness Of Pat Cummins And Co. For ODI World Cup

Cricket World Cup 2023: The biggest event in international cricket is knocking on the doors with just one week remaining for it's commencement. The marquee ICC tournament is all set to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. The World Cup will be played across 10 stunning venues in India and will begin with a rematch of the 2019 final between defending champions England and New Zealand. Australia will play their first match against India in Chennai on October 8. 

Australia's squad for ODI World Cup 2023

Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.

Australia's 'Strengths' in ODI World Cup 2023

(Australia men's cricket team during an ODI match against India / Image: AP)

A world-class batting unit: Australia have an outstanding array of top-tier batsmen, featuring renowned talents such as David Warner, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, and Marnus Labuschagne. This formidable batting contingent possesses the ability to dismantle any bowling attack when they are at their best. Warner and Marsh are entrusted with opening the innings, while Smith and Labuschagne contribute in the middle-overs.

A fiery pace attack: The Australian pace attack unit led by Pat Cummins, accompanied by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, stands as an imposing force that has asserted its dominance in the realm of limited-overs cricket in recent times. With a collective haul of more than 400 wickets, this attack is primed to unleash havoc upon rival teams. 

A good bunch of all-rounders: The team also possesses a good bunch of all-rounders in its ranks, featuring the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, and Glenn Maxwell. These multi-skilled players offer valuable balance to the squad and present versatile options to meet the demands of different situations.

Also Read: England Cricket Team: A Look At Strength And Weakness Of Buttler And Co. For ODI World Cup

Australia's 'Weaknesses' in ODI World Cup 2023

(Australian skipper Pat Cummins with his thinking cap on / Image: BCCI)

Middle-order woes and other concerns: One of the glaring weaknesses of the current Australian squad has to be their middle order. Australia's middle order batters have been unable to perform to their fullest in the recent past. Another concern would be their spin department, which apart from Adam Zampa, looks pretty average. 

Also Read: Cricket Australia Hands Two-match Ban To Champion Cricketer Ahead Of ODI World Cup

Australia's 'Opportunities' in ODI World Cup 2023

(Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis trying to forge a partnership in the middle / Image: BCCI)

A chance to add to the trophy cabinet: Australia's rich cricketing heritage provides them with a chance to reaffirm their supremacy on the global stage. The likes of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood have the opportunity to exhibit their skills in subcontinent conditions, erasing any concerns about their performance in such settings. The current lot will also have the chance to add to Australia's trophy cabinet with a win at the World Cup.  

Also Read: 'Not Executed As We...': Australia Pacer Critical Of Team's Series Defeat Against India

Australia's 'Threats' in ODI World Cup 2023

(Marnus Labuschagne getting dismissed while playing sweep against India / Image: AP)

Indian pitches have earned a reputation for their spin-friendly characteristics, highlighting Australia's relative vulnerability when it comes to their spin bowling resources. This factor could have repercussions on both their bowling unit and their batsmen's readiness to face spin. Australia faces a significant challenge in their quest to uphold their reputation.

Australia's schedulde in ODI World Cup 2023

India v Australia: October 8 in Chennai
Australia v South Africa: October 12 in Lucknow
Australia v Sri Lanka: October 16 in Lucknow
Australia v Pakistan: October 20 in Bengaluru
Australia v Netherlands: October 25 in Delhi
Australia v New Zealand: October 28 in Dharamasala
Australia v England: November 4 in Ahmedabad
Australia v Afghanistan: November 7 in Mumbai
Australia v Bangladesh: November 11 in Pune

Prediction for Australia in ODI World Cup 2023

The five-time ODI world champions have a pretty good side but their chances of winning the Cup in the subcontinent conditions are very low. Australia's maiden World Cup win in 1987 was in the subcontinent but that was a very different side than the present one. It was also in the 80s when subcontinent teams apart from India and Pakistan were not that great. However, Australia is looking good to make it to the top four of the upcoming tournament and if everything goes well for the side in the knockout stage then they might even lift the trophy.   

Image: BCCI