Are people underestimating Australia with regards to upcoming 2019 World Cup?

[Bhaijaan]

They are odds on favorites now to win the cup.

They were among the top 3 after the win in India. Their absolute domination of Pakistan in UAE puts them right at the top ahead of England and New Zealand as THE favorite.

India are now officially out of the race. They will be fighting for the 4th slot along with Pakistan, South Africa etc

 

[Mamoon]

They won the 99WC and guess where that was ?

You are reading too much into bilaterals. They never take them seriously anyway. You can see the batting line up is set and with Smith and Warner to come back , I don't see how they don't make the semis.

The 1999 World Cup is not the best example to justify Australia as one of the favourites for the World Cup. With a few minor tweaks, that Australian team went on to dominate the game for the next 8 years. Interestingly enough, the only time they faltered in a tournament was the 2004 Champions Trophy in England.

English conditions have often proved to be counter-productive for the Australians. Their explosive, hit the deck fast bowlers do not utilise swing as well as some of the other teams and their batsmen are not the best players of lateral movement. Nevertheless, it is never wise to underestimate Australia - their winning mentality and fighting spirit is unmatched.

 

[The_Odd_One]

They are shaping up nicely and will be a force to reckon with at the world cup. Their batting still can't match England's but their bowling is far superior and they handle pressure better than any other team. If they face England in a knockout game, I will not be surprised, if they beat England.

 

[Hasan123]

The 1999 World Cup is not the best example to justify Australia as one of the favourites for the World Cup. With a few minor tweaks, that Australian team went on to dominate the game for the next 8 years. Interestingly enough, the only time they faltered in a tournament was the 2004 Champions Trophy in England.

English conditions have often proved to be counter-productive for the Australians. Their explosive, hit the deck fast bowlers do not utilise swing as well as some of the other teams and their batsmen are not the best players of lateral movement. Nevertheless, it is never wise to underestimate Australia - their winning mentality and fighting spirit is unmatched.

The pitches in UK will suit Australia. They will be flat. Allowing their batters to play through the line and off the back foot. Their bowlers have the ability to pick up wickets in flat pitches.

 

[Mamoon]

The pitches in UK will suit Australia. They will be flat. Allowing their batters to play through the line and off the back foot. Their bowlers have the ability to pick up wickets in flat pitches.

We will see how the Dukes plays out. It will most likely swing more than the Kookaburra that they use for ODIs in England.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Is this the first World Cup since 1999 that Australia are not going in as favourites?

 

[Hasan123]

We will see how the Dukes plays out. It will most likely swing more than the Kookaburra that they use for ODIs in England.

Australia usually beat your boys England when it matters and they have the wool over India when it matters barring the 2011 QF.

Australia are the 2nd favourite after England.

 

[Hasan123]

Is this the first World Cup since 1999 that Australia are not going in as favourites?

Lol you thought in 2011 they were favourites ?

 

[topspin]

Is this the first World Cup since 1999 that Australia are not going in as favourites?

OMG are you actually for real?!

You thought an Australia team after the retirements of Gilchrist, Hayden, Mcgrath and with Ponting + Lee on their last legs were favourites to win a WC in India of all places?!

 

[topspin]

Lol you thought in 2011 they were favourites ?

I nearly fell out of my chair when I read it LOL. Funny thing is that's the worst Australian ODI outfit I've ever seen literally.

 

[Chokli]

looks like they might even win this world cup with the way they are peaking

 

[giri26]

They are looking good now. No one is underestimating them now. They seem to have found their mojo and are pretty close to nailing their combination for the world cup. They are actually having problem of plenty at the moment.

 

[Chokli]

England
Australia
India
Pakistan

 

[jnaveen1980]

They are looking good now. No one is underestimating them now. They seem to have found their mojo and are pretty close to nailing their combination for the world cup. They are actually having problem of plenty at the moment.

Not now. They are always good. They have this "mental edge" over every freaking team in world cups. They are famous for their ugly wins in contrast with ugly losses of South Africa.

 

[Darkrai]

The beast has awaken, thanks to India.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Lol you thought in 2011 they were favourites ?

Australia was the number one ranked ODI team in the world before the World Cup 2011 started, with India second with a ten point deficit. Infact, they were the number one ranked ODI side till September 2011.

But ofcourse, they weren't favourites then yet they are now as a number five ranked team

If you're going to come back with how Australia is missing Smith, Warner, Starc, Smith's baby-sitter, Warner's gardner etc, don't bother.

 

[Mamoon]

Australia usually beat your boys England when it matters and they have the wool over India when it matters barring the 2011 QF.

Australia are the 2nd favourite after England.

Since England revamped their ODI team after the 2015 World Cup, they have smashed Australia black and blue, and this includes the 2017 Champions Trophy as well, a match that clearly mattered.

Funnily enough, England was also the only team stop the ATG Australian team from winning an ODI tournament - they gave them a hiding in the 2004 Champions Trophy semifinal.

As far as Australia having the wood over India when it matters, it largely depends on the venue. India start as favourites in Asia, Caribbean and England, while Australia would be favourites in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

People have gone from underrating Australia to overrating them based on 4-5 matches. They are clearly stronger than a team like Pakistan, but they are far from the second favourites either. Also, they are more vulnerable in England than they are in Australia, South Africa or New Zealand. This is reflected not only in ODIs but in other formats as well.

 

[Mamoon]

Australia was the number one ranked ODI team in the world before the World Cup 2011 started, with India second with a ten point deficit. Infact, they were the number one ranked ODI side till September 2011.

But ofcourse, they weren't favourites then yet they are now as a number five ranked team

If you're going to come back with how Australia is missing Smith, Warner, Starc, Smith's baby-sitter, Warner's gardner etc, don't bother.

To be fair, notwithstanding their ranking, this is the first I have seen someone consider Australia favourites for the 2011 World Cup. The general sentiment at that time was that it was India's World Cup to lose - they had a very strong team especially for Asian conditions.

In fact, even Pakistan and Sri Lanka were considered as huge contenders because of the venue. Australia had a very poor spin attack and there was no real fear factor in their batting lineup either, with the exception of someone like Watson who was probably their best ODI batsman at the time.

Australia were also demolished by England in the 2010/2011 Ashes series. Yes it was a different format, but it ensured that they lost their aura in general and were considered as vulnerable team.

India beat them in the QF as expected, Pakistan beat them in the group and even Sri Lanka would have probably won had it not rained.

They are not favourites for this World Cup either. In three weeks, they have gone from underrated to overrated. They still have a long way to go before they can justify the second favourites tag or whatever.

 

[Usman Chadda]

To be fair, notwithstanding their ranking, this is the first I have seen someone consider Australia favourites for the 2011 World Cup. The general sentiment at that time was that it was India's World Cup to lose - they had a very strong team especially for Asian conditions.

In fact, even Pakistan and Sri Lanka were considered as huge contenders because of the venue. Australia had a very poor spin attack and there was no real fear factor in their batting lineup either, with the exception of someone like Watson who was probably their best ODI batsman at the time.

Australia were also demolished by England in the 2010/2011 Ashes series. Yes it was a different format, but it ensured that they lost their aura in general and were considered as vulnerable team.

India beat them in the QF as expected, Pakistan beat them in the group and even Sri Lanka would have probably won had it not rained.

They are not favourites for this World Cup either. In three weeks, they have gone from underrated to overrated. They still have a long way to go before they can justify the second favourites tag or whatever.

Australia beat England 6-1 in the ODI series of the 2010-11 tour. And they were comprehensive thrashings. Their aura was broken a while before that, particularly by South Africa.

India was an out-right favourite, closely followed by Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Australia was not being billed as outright favourites due to the conditions, but I remember there being talks about them finally conquering the sub-continent and what-not. Pakistan and Australia were pretty much on equal footing going into that World Cup.

Infact if you remember, Australia had a solid start to the World Cup and were on the same points as Sri Lanka, with an inferior NRR. They got knocked out by a red hot India, with a rejuvenated Yuvraj Singh in ferocious form, after having reduced them to 5 down for 160 odd in a chase of 260.

 

[Gilly]

As far as Australia having the wood over India when it matters, it largely depends on the venue. India start as favourites in Asia, Caribbean and England, while Australia would be favourites in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

What have you based this on?.

 

[Mamoon]

What have you based this on?.

Based on how I perceive the relative strengths of the two teams.

 

[CricFan2012]

They were always going to do well with Warner, Smith, Starc, Hazlewood, and Pattinson in the playing 11.

Anyone who underestimated them had short term memory and were only looking at their performances without key players.

The recent Pakistan series isn't really an accurate example of their prowess given they're missing key players but Pakistan is worse off with their pathetic selections and 'resting' players.

 

[MenInG]

Three of Australia's four frontline fast bowlers are in a race to be fit for the World Cup after Jhye Richardson was admitted into a growing casualty ward.

Richardson will leave the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and head home to Perth, having dislocated his right shoulder while fielding in Australia's eight-wicket win over Pakistan in game two of their one-day series in Sharjah. He landed awkwardly while fielding the ball in the deep and could now face surgery.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for the 22-year-old, who has been the bowling find of the summer and had emerged as a key member of Australia's World Cup plans.

The selectors will meet early next month to select a 15-man squad, which must be confirmed to the International Cricket Council by April 23. CA then has until May 23 to withdraw players without the need of approval from the World Cup's event technical committee. Changes after the latter date will require medical certificates and the approval of the technical committee.

This means that Richardson, who made his Test debut in January, could still be named next month but withdrawn after that date should he not heal in time.

Teammate Nathan Lyon said the Australians hoped Richardson would be fit in time for the World Cup opener against Afghanistan on June 1.

"It's very disappointing, especially off the back of the summer that Jhye's had. He's had a really good Shield season for WA then a pretty special Test series against Sri Lanka," he said.

"The way he's been performing has been pretty impressive. Fingers crossed he can be fit for the World Cup and be in the selection [mix] there."

Richardson had taken 2-16 off five overs before he was hurt on Sunday. He has been Australia's best ODI bowler this year, claiming 17 wickets at 21.23.

His issues come as Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Starc remain in a race to prove their fitness.

Hazlewood has been battling a back problem since the Sydney Test against India and is seen as having a tougher fight than Starc to make the sport's showpiece tournament. Starc, dealing with a pectoral issue, also had to withdraw from the one-day series against India and Pakistan but officials are hopeful he will be fit for the pre-tour training camp in Brisbane in May.

Richardson won't be replaced for the three remaining matches against Pakistan, potentially giving fellow quicks Nathan Coulter-Nile, Kane Richardson and Jason Behrendorff more of an opportunity to forge a World Cup berth.

Pat Cummins had been rested from the opening two matches after a heavy workload through the summer and in India.

Cricket Australia has confirmed Tasmanian coach Adam Griffith will reunite with Justin Langer and be Australia's bowling coach through the World Cup, while Troy Cooley will hold the role through the ensuing Ashes series.

Cooley, who has rejoined the side since David Saker's abrupt departure, is the head coach of the national cricket centre in Brisbane. He was England's bowling coach in 2005 when the host nation's four-man pace attack engineered a stunning Ashes uprising. Griffith had been a bowling coach for WA under Mickey Arthur and also benefited from working alongside Langer when the latter took the top job with the Warriors.

Once the Ashes are over, CA will look to make a permanent call on the position.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...-for-world-cup-selection-20190325-p517f0.html

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Since England revamped their ODI team after the 2015 World Cup, they have smashed Australia black and blue, and this includes the 2017 Champions Trophy as well, a match that clearly mattered.

Funnily enough, England was also the only team stop the ATG Australian team from winning an ODI tournament - they gave them a hiding in the 2004 Champions Trophy semifinal.

As far as Australia having the wood over India when it matters, it largely depends on the venue. India start as favourites in Asia, Caribbean and England, while Australia would be favourites in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

People have gone from underrating Australia to overrating them based on 4-5 matches. They are clearly stronger than a team like Pakistan, but they are far from the second favourites either. Also, they are more vulnerable in England than they are in Australia, South Africa or New Zealand. This is reflected not only in ODIs but in other formats as well.

This is just not true. Australia was stopped in CT 2000 by India and in 2002 by Lanka as well. England were certainly not the only team. They were a monster team in world cups though. Relentlessly thrashed every team from 1999 till 2011 when Pakistan stopped them.

 

[Mamoon]

This is just not true. Australia was stopped in CT 2000 by India and in 2002 by Lanka as well. England were certainly not the only team. They were a monster team in world cups though. Relentlessly thrashed every team from 1999 till 2011 when Pakistan stopped them.

Yes you are right. This is not the first time Champions Trophy 2000 and 2002 have slipped my mind.

A tournament with a very bizarre history - the legendary Australian team missing out 3 times in row, West Indies winning it in 2004 and Pakistan in 2017.

 

[cricketworm]

The beast has awaken, thanks to India.

Our bowlers have a tendency to do this. Sabko form mai lane ka deka liya hai hamne

 

[MMHS]

The beast has awaken, thanks to India.

The beast was taking rest - pretending to be asleep. I had a German Shepard back home - it used to fool many, many people. Aussies used the chaotic period to prepare for themselves and now showing their fangs at the right time. Only fools would have felt comfortable thinking that Aussies are 6th ranked ODI team!!!! And, don't get complacent with their injury list - Warne was withdrawn 24 hours before 2003 WC - his replacement was Bichel, Lee returned back from WIN in 2007 - Tait replaced him .... rest we know as history now.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins is a scary attack and thoroughly capable of running through strong batting line-ups.

 

[topspin]

Australia was the number one ranked ODI team in the world before the World Cup 2011 started, with India second with a ten point deficit. Infact, they were the number one ranked ODI side till September 2011.

But ofcourse, they weren't favourites then yet they are now as a number five ranked team

If you're going to come back with how Australia is missing Smith, Warner, Starc, Smith's baby-sitter, Warner's gardner etc, don't bother.

Host Country means more than who's no.1 in the rankings and India was always going to be the toughest place for the Aussies to win especially when you consider Gilchrist, Hayden, McGrath had retired and Ponting + Lee on their last legs. So other than rankings what made you think Australia had realistic chance? That team was so weak they couldn't even beat Pakistan lol.

You're the only person I've ever heard come up with the following thoughts:

1. Percieved Australia as favs for the 2011 WC - even in 2019!
2. Rates Pakistan team of the 90s & 2000s weaker than the current side

Not to forget "we're going to win Asia Cup" last year and Gilchrist was the main wicket keeper for Australia in tests during the 90s, but actually debuted in red ball cricket in Nov 1999.

Not trying to make fun out of you but these are some bizarre revelations you have made.

 

[Hasan123]

Australia was the number one ranked ODI team in the world before the World Cup 2011 started, with India second with a ten point deficit. Infact, they were the number one ranked ODI side till September 2011.

But ofcourse, they weren't favourites then yet they are now as a number five ranked team

If you're going to come back with how Australia is missing Smith, Warner, Starc, Smith's baby-sitter, Warner's gardner etc, don't bother.

Lol everything I read before that WC was about India being favourties for the WC. In India with the team they had they are clever favourties regardless of Australias ranking.

I never said Australia were favourites for this WC. That is clearly England but I told you months ago not to underestimate Australia and now they are beating us black and blue.

Australia have always been 1 of my top contenders for this WC regardless of PP predicting the end of Australian cricket.

 

[Hasan123]

Since England revamped their ODI team after the 2015 World Cup, they have smashed Australia black and blue, and this includes the 2017 Champions Trophy as well, a match that clearly mattered.

Funnily enough, England was also the only team stop the ATG Australian team from winning an ODI tournament - they gave them a hiding in the 2004 Champions Trophy semifinal.

As far as Australia having the wood over India when it matters, it largely depends on the venue. India start as favourites in Asia, Caribbean and England, while Australia would be favourites in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

People have gone from underrating Australia to overrating them based on 4-5 matches. They are clearly stronger than a team like Pakistan, but they are far from the second favourites either. Also, they are more vulnerable in England than they are in Australia, South Africa or New Zealand. This is reflected not only in ODIs but in other formats as well.

Australia have the experience of winning the WC and this English team had choked in big ICC tournament games already.

But going by your logic that would be a fluke because Australia would have a off day and England who rubbish in LO during that period would have had a good day.


Australia are not ovverated. They have 5/6 world class players in their team. Their batting line up isn't reliant on the top 3 like India . They also have 3 world class seamers. They have a big chance of winning the WC.

 

[Hasan123]

I nearly fell out of my chair when I read it LOL. Funny thing is that's the worst Australian ODI outfit I've ever seen literally.

Usman is a good poster tbf. You can have debates with him without it resulting to personal insults.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Host Country means more than who's no.1 in the rankings and India was always going to be the toughest place for the Aussies to win especially when you consider Gilchrist, Hayden, McGrath had retired and Ponting + Lee on their last legs. So other than rankings what made you think Australia had realistic chance? That team was so weak they couldn't even beat Pakistan lol.

You're the only person I've ever heard come up with the following thoughts:

1. Percieved Australia as favs for the 2011 WC - even in 2019!
2. Rates Pakistan team of the 90s & 2000s weaker than the current side

Not to forget "we're going to win Asia Cup" last year and Gilchrist was the main wicket keeper for Australia in tests during the 90s, but actually debuted in red ball cricket in Nov 1999.

Not trying to make fun out of you but these are some bizarre revelations you have made.

[MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION], I believe you need to do your homework before you reply. It's clear you are fairly new to watching cricket.

Please go and check the bookies odds BEFORE the World Cup started, and let me know what you think.

If you're still not convinced, bring up a few articles from google about the favourites for this World Cup and you'll have your answer.

If you're still not convinced, search for threads related to WC11 on PP, and maybe then you'll realize you are out of your depth here.

Just because Pakistan beat them, you have this illusion of Australia being a poor side despite the fact that they were number one in the rankings with a ten-points gap from the number two. I doubt you even remember that Australia was coming into the World Cup after having hammered the living daylights out of England in the previous series.

Furthermore, just for clarification purposes:

Please bring up a post where I said the 90s and 2000s Pakistan team is weaker than the current side. Comprehension issues are on you mate, not me.

I wasn't the only one who was hopeful about winning the Asia Cup.

And I specifically said Gilchrist is the only wicket-keeper worth talking about who made his debut in the 90s. Nowhere were we strictly talking about Test cricket.

As far as making fun of me is concerned, you realize I'll have enough ammo to return the favor with interest once this Pakistan v Australia is over. I hope you're smart enough to realize what I'm talking about here

 

[Usman Chadda]

Lol everything I read before that WC was about India being favourties for the WC. In India with the team they had they are clever favourties regardless of Australias ranking.

I never said Australia were favourites for this WC. That is clearly England but I told you months ago not to underestimate Australia and now they are beating us black and blue.

Australia have always been 1 of my top contenders for this WC regardless of PP predicting the end of Australian cricket.

As I have stated, India were out-right favourites. There can more than one favourites, right? You should check the bookies odds before the World Cup started, and you'll have your answer.

Look Australia is good, but there are better teams in this World Cup. Their stats are horrible since WC2015, even with Smith and Warner in the team. They slipped below Pakistan in the ODI rankings recently, that's how awful they have been.

Also, please look up Australia's recent record in England. They have been smashed black and blue, even more so than in Asia. England, India and New Zealand are dead certs for the semi-finals, with Australia and South Africa fighting it out for the fourth spot. Pakistan, as always, is the dark horse.

 

[Hasan123]

As I have stated, India were out-right favourites. There can more than one favourites, right? You should check the bookies odds before the World Cup started, and you'll have your answer.

Look Australia is good, but there are better teams in this World Cup. Their stats are horrible since WC2015, even with Smith and Warner in the team. They slipped below Pakistan in the ODI rankings recently, that's how awful they have been.

Also, please look up Australia's recent record in England. They have been smashed black and blue, even more so than in Asia. England, India and New Zealand are dead certs for the semi-finals, with Australia and South Africa fighting it out for the fourth spot. Pakistan, as always, is the dark horse.

I don't need the bookies odds to tell me who the favourite. I in fact remember I predicted an India vs Sri Lanka final.

They don't take bilaterals seriously. I am not reading too much into them . They have beaten India in India, a full strengthen India team. They have a good chance in the WC.

Lol they did win a ODI series in England in 2015. They have found a good combination. I think they will make the final 4.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I don't need the bookies odds to tell me who the favourite. I in fact remember I predicted an India vs Sri Lanka final.

They don't take bilaterals seriously. I am not reading too much into them . They have beaten India in India, a full strengthen India team. They have a good chance in the WC.

Lol they did win a ODI series in England in 2015. They have found a good combination. I think they will make the final 4.

Bookies odds gives you the general sentiment of the market. Me and you have our own opinions.

Khair, let's see.

 

[a_tahir]

I don't need the bookies odds to tell me who the favourite. I in fact remember I predicted an India vs Sri Lanka final.

They don't take bilaterals seriously. I am not reading too much into them . They have beaten India in India, a full strengthen India team. They have a good chance in the WC.

Lol they did win a ODI series in England in 2015. They have found a good combination. I think they will make the final 4.

Bookies tell u the probability of a side winning. Just coz a team who wasn't favourite wins doesn't mean the bookies were wrong.

Imo, bookies are the most reliable source for when u want to know who IS the favourite to win a match.

 

[topspin]

As I have stated, India were out-right favourites. There can more than one favourites, right? You should check the bookies odds before the World Cup started, and you'll have your answer.

Look Australia is good, but there are better teams in this World Cup. Their stats are horrible since WC2015, even with Smith and Warner in the team. They slipped below Pakistan in the ODI rankings recently, that's how awful they have been.

Also, please look up Australia's recent record in England. They have been smashed black and blue, even more so than in Asia. England, India and New Zealand are dead certs for the semi-finals, with Australia and South Africa fighting it out for the fourth spot. Pakistan, as always, is the dark horse.

Usman bhai this could not be any further from the truth.

According to William Hill and Ladbrokes at the time (2 of the biggest bookmakers in the market) had India favs to win. Out of the big players only Bet365 had India second favourites behind South Africa.

But do you know what was in common between the trio? They all had Australia 4th favs. I'll be happy to provide the source on request.

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION]

 

[topspin]

Bookies odds gives you the general sentiment of the market. Me and you have our own opinions.

Khair, let's see.

Bookies tell u the probability of a side winning. Just coz a team who wasn't favourite wins doesn't mean the bookies were wrong.

Imo, bookies are the most reliable source for when u want to know who IS the favourite to win a match.

Agreed, the view of the bookies gives an excellent statistical perspective with probability concerned.

You can use these odds and convert them to % if you want to establish the probability of an outcome in numerical terms.

 

[topspin]

[MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION], I believe you need to do your homework before you reply. It's clear you are fairly new to watching cricket.

Please go and check the bookies odds BEFORE the World Cup started, and let me know what you think.

If you're still not convinced, bring up a few articles from google about the favourites for this World Cup and you'll have your answer.

If you're still not convinced, search for threads related to WC11 on PP, and maybe then you'll realize you are out of your depth here.

Just because Pakistan beat them, you have this illusion of Australia being a poor side despite the fact that they were number one in the rankings with a ten-points gap from the number two. I doubt you even remember that Australia was coming into the World Cup after having hammered the living daylights out of England in the previous series.

Furthermore, just for clarification purposes:

Please bring up a post where I said the 90s and 2000s Pakistan team is weaker than the current side. Comprehension issues are on you mate, not me.

I wasn't the only one who was hopeful about winning the Asia Cup.

And I specifically said Gilchrist is the only wicket-keeper worth talking about who made his debut in the 90s. Nowhere were we strictly talking about Test cricket.

As far as making fun of me is concerned, you realize I'll have enough ammo to return the favor with interest once this Pakistan v Australia is over. I hope you're smart enough to realize what I'm talking about here

It is delusional to suggest I'm new to watching cricket. Even if that was true lets probe your level of insight since you've failed to address my post in relation to the composition of the Australian side going into the 2011 WC.

You claimed Australia were favourites merely on the basis of their no.1 rank at their time. To be blunt, this argument is as weak as a lamb that can't stand the weight of its own wool.

Whereas mine was more sound because I grasped the crucial points with how Australia were going to suffer without Hayden, Gilchrist, McGrath and Ponting + Lee past their peak. Indian conditions are polar opposite of what you get in Australia as well, so it was always a big ask. Now tell me this who sounds like a noob now? Ask yourself if I was a new follower to the game, would I have known the make up of the 2011 WC side and the ones preceding this team? I'm not surprised you were unable to address this because you know deep down you got this all wrong. If any one of us are out of our depths, it certainly isn't me!

Hammering England before the WC is another poor argument but actually comical in my mind because of how shoddy that English side was in ODIs. You do realise that team got beaten by two minnows during that WC? I'll give you a reminder in case you have another lapse in recall - Ireland and Bangladesh.

I don't need to bring up that post about your perception of the 90s & 2000s team relative the one at present because I remember Mamoon calling you out on it, following our discussions on the matter, because your posts were once again cricket blasphemy. He also called you out with your "Asia cup will be ours" tamasha. We've had numerous discussions on the 90s side and there is no doubt you have had your fair share of bashing them. If I was new to cricket and gullible I would have fallen for it but instead I expressed my disagreement there and then and doing so again now.

The discussion was about test wicket keepers because we were comparing Moin Khan and Ian Healey, after you had bashed the former you went on to say something along the lines of "besides Healey wasn't the main wicket keeper for the Aussies in the 90s", which was an obvious reference to Gilchrist. This argument broke down when you were informed his debut in tests was in Nov 1999.

I've also exposed you with your claims concerning Aussie's superior odds above, it's actually beyond a joke now with all this fake news of yours.

Yes you are referring to Umar Akmal who has so far proven you wrong because I predicted his recall as I envisaged a return of form in PSL after a good FC season. Wait until the end of the series and you can use all the ammo you got. I won't be running away and unlike you I'll admit I backed him but failed. If that does turn out to be the case it's sad that you'll be rejoicing this just to score points.

 

[Hasan123]

Bookies tell u the probability of a side winning. Just coz a team who wasn't favourite wins doesn't mean the bookies were wrong.

Imo, bookies are the most reliable source for when u want to know who IS the favourite to win a match.

I don't rely on bookies odds to decide who is favourite. But since you do, India were the bookies favourites for the 2011 WC as [MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] has found out.

 

[Usman Chadda]

It is delusional to suggest I'm new to watching cricket. Even if that was true lets probe your level of insight since you've failed to address my post in relation to the composition of the Australian side going into the 2011 WC.

You claimed Australia were favourites merely on the basis of their no.1 rank at their time. To be blunt, this argument is as weak as a lamb that can't stand the weight of its own wool.

Whereas mine was more sound because I grasped the crucial points with how Australia were going to suffer without Hayden, Gilchrist, McGrath and Ponting + Lee past their peak. Indian conditions are polar opposite of what you get in Australia as well, so it was always a big ask. Now tell me this who sounds like a noob now? Ask yourself if I was a new follower to the game, would I have known the make up of the 2011 WC side and the ones preceding this team? I'm not surprised you were unable to address this because you know deep down you got this all wrong. If any one of us are out of our depths, it certainly isn't me!

Hammering England before the WC is another poor argument but actually comical in my mind because of how shoddy that English side was in ODIs. You do realise that team got beaten by two minnows during that WC? I'll give you a reminder in case you have another lapse in recall - Ireland and Bangladesh.

I don't need to bring up that post about your perception of the 90s & 2000s team relative the one at present because I remember Mamoon calling you out on it, following our discussions on the matter, because your posts were once again cricket blasphemy. He also called you out with your "Asia cup will be ours" tamasha. We've had numerous discussions on the 90s side and there is no doubt you have had your fair share of bashing them. If I was new to cricket and gullible I would have fallen for it but instead I expressed my disagreement there and then and doing so again now.

The discussion was about test wicket keepers because we were comparing Moin Khan and Ian Healey, after you had bashed the former you went on to say something along the lines of "besides Healey wasn't the main wicket keeper for the Aussies in the 90s", which was an obvious reference to Gilchrist. This argument broke down when you were informed his debut in tests was in Nov 1999.

I've also exposed you with your claims concerning Aussie's superior odds above, it's actually beyond a joke now with all this fake news of yours.

Yes you are referring to Umar Akmal who has so far proven you wrong because I predicted his recall as I envisaged a return of form in PSL after a good FC season. Wait until the end of the series and you can use all the ammo you got. I won't be running away and unlike you I'll admit I backed him but failed. If that does turn out to be the case it's sad that you'll be rejoicing this just to score points.

Put up your source [MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION]. I have a fair idea about which article you are going to pull up, but let me call you out on this first before I respond.

So the number one ranked team in the world has no claim to be favorites for the World Cup at the time? Yes conditions do come in, which is where India were strong favorites to win. But it's an absurd claim that Australia had a 'weak side' and weren't expected to perform, when in your own words, you have just admitted that they were 4th favorites. If 4th favorites were weak and pathetic, what would you say about Pakistan and New Zealand?

Yes, Australia did suffer from retirements of a few of their players, but they had in-form batsmen going into the World Cup. They suffered setbacks in the bowling department, thanks to Ryan Harris and Nathan Hauritz getting injured. But they were strong enough to beat any side in the World Cup. They had India 5 down for 160 runs in the Quarter-Final before Yuvraj and Raina took India home Not bad for 'the worst Australian ODI outfit ever'?

Funny you don't mention England's tie against the eventual champions. England were ordinary, but the manner of defeats were crushing in that 6-1 debacle.

Yes, you do need to bring the post up, where I have specifically said that I consider the 90s and 2000s team to be weaker than the current team. Otherwise don't go around claiming arguments that clearly only exist in your imagination and wasting everyone's time with your ramblings. Yes, I did have an argument against the 90s Pakistan team, but it wasn't what you are claiming it to be. Go back, read slowly and try to understand what I'm saying so we can have that discussion again.

As I said, I wasn't the only one who was optimistic about our Asia Cup's chances. I, however, do admit I actively took part in the banter with Indian fans, as lording the CT17 final over them was of ultimate satisfaction. You have a problem with that, I really don't give two hoots. Some of us here will do it all over again, once we have another 'fluke' victory as Mamoon loves to remind us.

I didn't infer. I out-right said Gilchrist was the only wicket-keeper worth talking about from the 90s. Perhaps the fact that I said Moin and Rashid were not superior to Sarfraz ruffled your feathers?

Umar Akmal has not proven ANYONE wrong. There you go with your imagination again. It's quite wild isn't it? I'll get to it after the series ends. Now is not the time, I agree. I won't be rejoicing, as I believe Umar Akmal finished himself a long time back and Pakistan lost a very talented cricketer. But I will remind you to have a look at the fact that supporting a mediocre cricketer because of an agenda and no other valid logic, is exactly what's wrong with many of you Pakistan fans.

 

[MenInG]

 

[topspin]

Put up your source [MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION]. I have a fair idea about which article you are going to pull up, but let me call you out on this first before I respond.

So the number one ranked team in the world has no claim to be favorites for the World Cup at the time? Yes conditions do come in, which is where India were strong favorites to win. But it's an absurd claim that Australia had a 'weak side' and weren't expected to perform, when in your own words, you have just admitted that they were 4th favorites. If 4th favorites were weak and pathetic, what would you say about Pakistan and New Zealand?

Yes, Australia did suffer from retirements of a few of their players, but they had in-form batsmen going into the World Cup. They suffered setbacks in the bowling department, thanks to Ryan Harris and Nathan Hauritz getting injured. But they were strong enough to beat any side in the World Cup. They had India 5 down for 160 runs in the Quarter-Final before Yuvraj and Raina took India home Not bad for 'the worst Australian ODI outfit ever'?

Funny you don't mention England's tie against the eventual champions. England were ordinary, but the manner of defeats were crushing in that 6-1 debacle.

Yes, you do need to bring the post up, where I have specifically said that I consider the 90s and 2000s team to be weaker than the current team. Otherwise don't go around claiming arguments that clearly only exist in your imagination and wasting everyone's time with your ramblings. Yes, I did have an argument against the 90s Pakistan team, but it wasn't what you are claiming it to be. Go back, read slowly and try to understand what I'm saying so we can have that discussion again.

As I said, I wasn't the only one who was optimistic about our Asia Cup's chances. I, however, do admit I actively took part in the banter with Indian fans, as lording the CT17 final over them was of ultimate satisfaction. You have a problem with that, I really don't give two hoots. Some of us here will do it all over again, once we have another 'fluke' victory as Mamoon loves to remind us.

I didn't infer. I out-right said Gilchrist was the only wicket-keeper worth talking about from the 90s. Perhaps the fact that I said Moin and Rashid were not superior to Sarfraz ruffled your feathers?

Umar Akmal has not proven ANYONE wrong. There you go with your imagination again. It's quite wild isn't it? I'll get to it after the series ends. Now is not the time, I agree. I won't be rejoicing, as I believe Umar Akmal finished himself a long time back and Pakistan lost a very talented cricketer. But I will remind you to have a look at the fact that supporting a mediocre cricketer because of an agenda and no other valid logic, is exactly what's wrong with many of you Pakistan fans.

The following sources prove India were favourites to win 2011 WC and I have decided not to disclose the websites as I do not wish to endorse betting sides but merely disprove your expectations of Australia going into the WC as favourites:



Australia with or without Ryan Haris and Hauritz would not change the odds significantly. England were a toothless ODI side in the first half of the 2010s decade as evident from their showing in the 2011 and 2015 WCs where they were beaten by Bangladesh in consecutive tournaments as well as Ireland in 2011.

As for Umar Akmal there is no agenda, just sick and tired with the infestation of accumulators in this side. I would rather have him in the batting line up than the likes of Shoaib Malik who isn't going to win us matches especially with atrocious record in England and that isn't going to change at age 38-40 when he's never been able to overcome his limitations against pace. I would rather have a 40 off 45-balls from Umar Akmal than a 30-40 run innings at 50-60 SR with Malik.

 

[a_tahir]

Comparing these odds by what pak is at now shows that pak had a decent chance at winning the 2011 wc.

Now the odds are 12/1. So we're pretty much out of contention

 

[a_tahir]

The following sources prove India were favourites to win 2011 WC and I have decided not to disclose the websites as I do not wish to endorse betting sides but merely disprove your expectations of Australia going into the WC as favourites:

View attachment 89872View attachment 89873View attachment 89874

Australia with or without Ryan Haris and Hauritz would not change the odds significantly. England were a toothless ODI side in the first half of the 2010s decade as evident from their showing in the 2011 and 2015 WCs where they were beaten by Bangladesh in consecutive tournaments as well as Ireland in 2011.

As for Umar Akmal there is no agenda, just sick and tired with the infestation of accumulators in this side. I would rather have him in the batting line up than the likes of Shoaib Malik who isn't going to win us matches especially with atrocious record in England and that isn't going to change at age 38-40 when he's never been able to overcome his limitations against pace. I would rather have a 40 off 45-balls from Umar Akmal than a 30-40 run innings at 50-60 SR with Malik.

It literally says on the top what website those are. Lol.

 

[topspin]

It literally says on the top what website those are. Lol.

This was taken from a betting tips site not from the bookmakers themselves.

 

[HGhazanfar]

Not at all the below lineup will challenge and defeat good teams this world cup. Only issue I see is the death bowling.

Warner
Khawaja
Finch C
Smith
Handscomb WK
Maxwell
Stoinis
Jhye
Cummins
Starc
Zampa


S Marsh
Hazlewood
Lyon
Aston Turner

 

[gazza619]

‘Bloody hard’: Finch faces Cup conundrum

Skipper ponders how Steve Smith and David Warner will fit back into a side riding a six-match winning streak

Just as Australia have stumbled upon the steady, settled formula every one-day team around the world desperately craves, they’re again set for major change.

That's the conundrum facing Aaron Finch and the rest of the side's brains trust with the World Cup on their doorstep, as the resurgent Aussies ride the wave of a stunning run of form that has come without what were their two best batters.

On the eve of the bans on Steve Smith and David Warner expiring, Australia defeated Pakistan to storm to their sixth-straight ODI victory and seal back-to-back series wins abroad for the first time since 2016.

Just how, where and when the duo fit back into a batting line-up that has clicked like no other Australian top order since the 2015 World Cup, including ones that featured Smith and Warner, remains to be seen.

"It is bloody hard," Finch said candidly of the selection questions confronting the team when the pair are available for this year’s World Cup.

"Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is.

"I will definitely have my views - and Justin (Langer) and I, we talk all the time, every day about selections and team make-ups, different scenarios and things like that.

Maxwell's value hits new heights
"At the end of the day, they're the selectors and it's an incredibly tough decision.

"Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad (for the World Cup), there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there."

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are also set to make comebacks in time for the tournament, but the injection of two world-class batsman who will have spent 14 months out of international cricket will present a far greater challenge.

Hazlewood outlines World Cup chances
Smith and Warner have shown flashes of their immense skill in overseas T20 jaunts during their suspensions and both said they felt like they never left the Australian camp during a brief meeting in Dubai earlier this month.

But there will be undoubtedly be an adjustment period – not just for those two, but for the whole top-order.

With 886 runs at 81 between them during their winning streak, Finch and Usman Khawaja have developed a potent bond opening the batting, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell have made telling contributions through the middle order, while Marcus Stoinis has established himself as an important figure with both bat and ball.

Underpinning their success, Finch says, is the kind of continuity and familiarity the top two one-day sides in the world - England and India - have cultivated.

Warner whacks 85 in IPL return
Which makes the potential returns or Smith and Warner all the more problematic.

"The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands … is gold," the skipper said.

"That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past.

"England have had a great four years since the last World Cup, but they've had a very settled side. India are no different.

"I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so. That goes a long way - not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays.

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/aar...d-cup-squad-australia-pakistan-odi/2019-03-29

 

[Abdullah719]

 

[MMHS]

Border being old school has picked up slightly spin heavy squad with Lyon as specialist spinner & no. 11 while he didn’t pick Josh Hazlewood. But, I like BJ’s team more - Maxwell is bowling good enough to be the offie while Finch can roll arm to provide SLAO spin options. Would have liked to see Ashton Turner over Shaun Marsh though, while I still think a full fit Mitch Marsh is better than Stoinis.

Such a sound squad that almost everyone’s squad will be similar. This is my squad

Warner
*Finch
Khwaza
Smith
Maxwell
Carey+
Stoinis/Mitch (other one 12th man)
Strac
Cummins
Zampa
Hazlewood
—————————————————-
Handscomb+, Jhye Richardson, Aston Turner/Shaun Marsh.

 

[giri26]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My squad of 15<br><br>Warner<br>Short<br>Finch<br>Smith<br>Maxwell<br>Stoinis<br>Carey<br>Cummins<br>Starc<br>Richardson J (if fit)<br>Zampa<br><br>Plus<br><br>Marsh S<br>N Lyon<br>A Turner<br>Coulter-Nile<br><br>Thoughts followers ? Agree ?</p>— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1115373903503712256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Ab Fan]

Warner
Finch
Khwaja
Smith
Maxwell
Stoinis
Carry(wkt)
Cummins
Starc
Richardson
Zampa

 

[Ronaldo7]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My squad of 15<br><br>Warner<br>Short<br>Finch<br>Smith<br>Maxwell<br>Stoinis<br>Carey<br>Cummins<br>Starc<br>Richardson J (if fit)<br>Zampa<br><br>Plus<br><br>Marsh S<br>N Lyon<br>A Turner<br>Coulter-Nile<br><br>Thoughts followers ? Agree ?</p>— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1115373903503712256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Khawaja? Khawaja? Where's Khawaja?
Why is SHORT there?
Is he racist? Lol

 

[Gilly]

Khawaja? Khawaja? Where's Khawaja?
Why is SHORT there?
Is he racist? Lol

Bam out comes the race card. lol

 

[JibranAnsari]

They are still good enough to reach the semis.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Bam out comes the race card. lol

You need to use it whenever u get the chance.
Jk

 

[giri26]

Coach Justin Langer helps the Australian cricket team return to form ahead of ICC World Cup

With most people's attention fixed on the start of the AFL and NRL seasons, overseas limited-overs cricket tours at this time of year generally fly under the radar.

Unless, of course, we see a major scandal …

Against India and Pakistan there have been no such issues, but there has been some exceptional cricket played by Australia.

Led by coach Justin Langer and skipper Aaron Finch — who overcame battles with form to return to his explosive best — the team now has some serious momentum heading into the World Cup in June.

Their biggest concern leading in to the first game is against Afghanistan is how to fit two of the best batsmen in the world — Steve Smith and David Warner — into a top six that has been in unprecedented form.

It is a good problem to have.

Australia is now third-favourite with most betting agencies, behind England and India, to triumph at the World Cup.

It has won its past eight one-day internationals and broke some long-standing records in the process.

The win against Pakistan in the UAE was the first time Australia had completed a five–nil one-day whitewash overseas in 11 years.

Signs Australia is ready for more success
The team is enjoying a far more harmonious environment than that which prevailed at the start of the Australian summer.

Coming off the ball tampering scandal, Langer was tasked with being the person to mend what had become a fractured team.

Early on, he was ridiculed by the media and ex-players for some of the things he introduced.

Champion leg spinner Shane Warne was particularly pointed in his criticism of one of Langer's mantras: "elite honesty".

But, after some early stumbles, including losing to India on home soil in a Test series for the first time, there have since been some signs that Australian cricket is not only ready for more success, but the players will do it within the spirit of the game.

Having fun and winning at the same time

Australian Test captain Tim Paine showed great leadership and won many fans throughout the summer with his work behind the stumps, his measured approach off the field and even his clever banter on it.

It showed how you can engage the opposition without being abusive.

There was also an interesting exchange between Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa during Australia's series opening victory against Pakistan in Sharjah.

"We're good mates. That sort of stuff gets you through long tours and that sort of thing," Stoinis said.

"A bit of banter, a bit of a laugh. You can't take yourself too seriously.

"We've got a good bond in the team and there's a good group."

It shows that morale in the dressing room at the moment is good and that this is a team not afraid to have some fun while winning at the same time.

And there is no doubt that is the type of environment that Langer is trying to build.

"We have had pressure in the last 12 months. We will definitely have pressure in the World Cup and the Ashes, so we are really mindful when we select teams that we have got that camaraderie," Langer said at the completion of the Pakistan series.

"We all know that the game of cricket and great teams are more than just about talented players. It is about how the team gels together.

This current Australian team is yet to achieve much of significance, but that could change with success in the World Cup and the upcoming Ashes series in England.

A big key to this is clearly Langer, who has been part of great teams as a player and as a coach, and knows a thing or two about what makes them tick.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04...stralian-cricket-team-return-to-form/10986206

 

[giri26]

Mark Waugh discusses who he’d take to the Cricket World Cup

He may have only played five one-day games for Western Australia but Mark Waugh believes Matthew Kelly could do the job at the World Cup if Australia’s high-profile quicks struggle to recover from injury in time.

Pat Cummins is a walk-up start in the first XI after a stellar performance in the recent ODI series against India but the rest of the fast-bowling unit is under a cloud. Mitchell Starc hasn’t played since the Test series against Sri Lanka after suffering a pec injury and Josh Hazlewood has been out of action with a back issue.

Jhye Richardson loomed as the next in line but dislocated his shoulder while fielding in the second game against Pakistan in the UAE and his availability for the World Cup is in doubt.

Hazlewood has declared he’s confident of being fit for the tournament in England, which starts for the Aussies on June 1, but Waugh would leave him out of the 15-man squad. The cricket legend said if Richardson’s shoulder fails to heal in time then he would blood 24-year-old Kelly from Western Australia.

The right-arm quick has played just 16 first class matches and five List A games for his state to go with 12 appearances in the Big Bash League for the Perth Scorchers.

Kelly has taken 19 wickets from his dozen BBL outings with a best effort of 3/13 and has an impressive economy rate of 7.43. Waugh rates him highly as someone who can contain batsmen at the death — a skill he believes Australia is lacking as it prepares to take on the world.

“A lot depends around the fitness of the fast bowlers — Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson’s done his shoulder — so there’s three question marks in the bowling department,” Waugh said on Sky Sports’ Big Sports Breakfast.

“I’d have Mitchell Starc in there. Josh Hazlewood, I probably wouldn’t have him in the squad. I’ve got Jhye Richardson in if he’s fit.

“If he’s not fit I’ve got one bolter from Western Australia, Matt Kelly, who no one’s spoken about.


“One thing we do lack slightly is a really good death bowler — a guy who can bowl yorkers at the end of the innings and he’s really good at that.

“He played for the Scorchers and WA. He’s a bit of a smoky but I’d have him the mix.”

Until recent series against Pakistan and India, the Aussies’ ODI form had been woeful but with Aaron Finch returning to form, Usman Khawaja showing his class at the top of the order in the coloured clothing and Steve Smith and David Warner coming back into the squad, Justin Langer’s troops can pose a serious threat to more fancied contenders.

Waugh believes Glenn Maxwell — who’s endured a rocky relationship with selectors over the years — can be the X-factor as Australia aims to topple favourites England and India.

“Maxwell’s the key to this World Cup … he can open the game up in the middle part of the innings,” Waugh said.

Waugh would take Alex Carey as the wicketkeeper and believes Shaun Marsh has earnt the right to be selected too. Waugh also said Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon will likely make the cut as Australia looks set to take two spin options to the World Cup.

https://www.news.com.au/sport/crick...p/news-story/fc66a66bf0bcaabb91083d500e828a27

 

[the Great Khan]

for me they are one of the favourites..their system is outstanding and even if they seem mediocre they always manage to get far in tournaments..never ever write them off...I expect to see them at Lords in the final..they are my pick for finalists vs england..same as 1987 final..

semis will be NZ,India,Aus,Eng.

inmho

 

[giri26]

Ponting's verdict on Aussie pace puzzle

Ricky Ponting believes Australia's big three fast bowlers should be aiming to play every game of back-to-back World Cup and Ashes campaigns, but flagged the trio may not always be first-picked.

National selectors met this week to whittle Australia's World Cup contenders down to a squad of 15 tasked with defending their 50-over crown in the United Kingdom this year.

The Steve Smith and David Warner conundrum aside, the panel's biggest decision is expected to be over whether all three of their star pace trio will be physically capable of firing in the Ashes fresh off a six-week, 11-game (if they make the final) long ODI event.

Starc (pectoral muscle) and Hazlewood (back) are both on the comeback trail from injuries that have sidelined them from Australia's last 10 ODIs against India and Pakistan, while Cummins was carefully managed through the latter series, featuring in just one game.

Ponting, who will join Australia's coaching panel for the World Cup after his stint with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League concludes, urged selectors only to have eyes for what's immediately in front of them.

"They (Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins) have all had reasonable layoffs now," Ponting told cricket.com.au. "I know some of them got through the summer and had injuries with Josh and 'Starcy' of late, but that should mean that they should go into a World Cup very fresh.

"None of those guys will be in the IPL either so they need to just manage (themselves) really well, with the thought of playing every game through the World Cup and the Ashes

"I'm sure all those bowlers want to do that.

"It's up to them to get themselves fit enough and strong enough to give themselves the best chance of being able to get through."

Unlike their Ashes rivals England, the world's top-ranked ODI team, Australia's first-choice quicks have generally been the same in 50-over and Test cricket since Cummins emerged as a durable foil to Starc and Hazlewood.

England on the other hand look set to have the luxury of calling up upon two specialist, world-class pacemen for the Ashes in James Anderson and Stuart Broad, neither of whom feature in their 50-over plans anymore.

The recent injury to Jhye Richardson, who has emerged as a promising prospect in one-day and Test cricket in recent months, complicates Australia's selection picture and could potentially increase their reliance the big three should the 22-year-old not recover in time for the World Cup.

Another factor is the reigning champions' increasing willingness to field not just one specialist spinner, but two, having won the World Cup in 2015 relying largely on an all-out pace attack and some occasional off-spin from allrounder Glenn Maxwell.

While Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins are all locks for the World Cup squad as far as Ponting is concerned, he says Australia must be prepared to leave one of them out if conditions dictate.

"Who knows, there might be a few games through the World Cup where it might not be the best to take those three fast bowlers into a game," he said.

"There might be a wicket that might look like it will be slower and turn more, so you go in with another all-round option and or another spinner.

"But management is going to be key, because trying to prioritise a World Cup over an Ashes series … it's impossible.

"You've just got to face what you've got in front of you.

"The whole goal for Australian cricket right now should be to win the World Cup and worry about whatever happens after that, after that."

Coach Justin Langer, one third of the selection panel also featuring chair Trevor Hohns and Greg Chappell, has praised the recent contributions of Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Kane Richardson and Jason Behrendorff.

"What's most pleasing is a lot of other guys have stepped up," Langer said last month. "There's actually some good depth of talent now. It's not just about three bowlers.

"There's a number of guys who we could easily select. So I'm not as concerned now, we've got some more confidence in the other guys."

It's a view shared by Ponting, a three-time World Cup-winner, who suggested fast-bowling options abound for the two enormous campaigns ahead of Australia.

"The thing about Australian cricket right now, we have got pretty good depth on the fast bowling side," he said.

"The pressure on selections for those first few games in the World Cup will be interesting and that's what you want around the group, you want that sort of depth.

"There's great depth around this squad, there'll be a lot of pressure on positions. The guys playing their best going into that first game will warrant their selection."

Australia's World Cup fixtures

May 25: (warm-up) England v Australia, Southampton

May 27: (warm-up) Australia v Sri Lanka, Southampton

June 1: Afghanistan v Australia, Bristol (D/N)

June 6: Australia v West Indies, Trent Bridge

June 9: India v Australia, The Oval

June 12: Australia v Pakistan, Taunton

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/ric...zlewood-cummins-richardson-england/2019-04-10

 

[MenInG]

Nathan Coulter-Nile will not feature in this year’s Indian Premier League, but the paceman remains a strong contender for a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad, which is set to be revealed Monday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore announced Friday that Dale Steyn had been drafted into their squad to replace Coulter-Nile, who had yet to link up with the struggling franchise this season.

The 31-year-old quick, one of a number of players sweating on a potential World Cup call-up, has had family commitments in Perth following recent one-day series abroad against India and Pakistan.

It's understood Coulter-Nile's fitness for the World Cup is not in question despite RCB's decision to replace him.

The right-armer's spot in Australia's squad of 15 could hinge on whether Josh Hazlewood, who is recovering from a back injury, and Jhye Richardson, who hurt his shoulder while fielding against Pakistan last month, are deemed fit for the tournament.

Regardless of whether he wins a World Cup spot, Coulter-Nile is expected to be closely monitored by Cricket Australia over the coming months given current injury concerns among their fast-bowling pool and the sheer volume of cricket this winter.

Mitchell Starc (pectoral muscle) is on the comeback trail from injury having sat out both the India and Pakistan tours.

Pat Cummins, meanwhile, has been carefully managed after getting through the home Test summer unscathed, playing just one match out of five in the UAE last month.

An Australia A tour of the United Kingdom will run concurrently with the World Cup in June and July, culminating in an Australia A v Australia four-day match in Hampshire that serves as the Test side's final tune-up ahead of the Ashes, beginning in August.

Coach and selector Justin Langer said last month he's been impressed by the likes of Coulter-Nile, Richardson, Jason Behrendorff and Kane Richardson, who have stood up in the absence of Starc and Hazlewood this year.

Recalled to the ODI side in November, Coulter-Nile has collected 11 wickets in his past six ODIs and his strike-power is underlined by the fact he's only gone wicketless twice in his 27-game career.

"What's most pleasing is a lot of other guys have stepped up," Langer said. "There's actually some good depth of talent now. It's not just about three bowlers.

"There's a number of guys who we could easily select. So I'm not as concerned now, we've got some more confidence in the other guys."

Coulter-Nile's absence is a blow for the battling RCB franchise, who are winless after six IPL games despite boasting a top-order featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali and Marcus Stoinis.

RCB have found an able replacement in Steyn, however. The 35-year-old South African has gone unsold in the past two IPL auctions despite his pedigree, with his last involvement in the lucrative tournament coming with defunct franchise Gujarat Lions in 2016.

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/nat...ier-league-ipl-2019-dale-steyn-rcb/2019-04-13

 

[MenInG]

Steve Smith and David Warner will be officially welcomed back into the Australian cricket fold on Monday but two key players are expected to be missing from the 15-man World Cup squad.

Underdone fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and batsman Peter Handscomb are likely to be the two high-profile omissions, with Shaun Marsh and Jhye Richardson expected to make the trip to England.

Warner's return and Usman Khawaja's superb recent form have ensured there has been considerable debate about the make-up of the World Cup top-order, in particular over who of Khawaja, Marsh and Handscomb would miss out. One insider insisted Handscomb will be the "disappointed" one.

Khawaja, flourishing in a new role as an opener, has 769 runs – the most by an Australian this year – at 59 and a strike rate of 84.

Handscomb was given Smith's top-order role but was unable to deliver a series of big scores which would have rubber-stamped his spot. He was impressive on the recent ODI tour of India, making 117 in Mohali and a half-century in the next match in Dehli but was unable to pass 50 in four innings against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

That he could act a reserve wicketkeeper had been seen as strengthening his case but insiders have pointed out a replacement for Alex Carey could be found at quick notice during the English summer.

Hazlewood has not played since the final Test against India in Sydney because of back problems.

While he is on the mend, there had been concerns about his lack of bowling loads. Selectors are keen to have him fit for the Ashes tour, beginning in August.

Richardson dislocated his shoulder while fielding against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates but WACA officials are hopeful he could resume bowling within a fortnight. Australia's opening World Cup game is not until June 1, giving Mitchell Starc (pectoral muscle) also enough time to get fit.

Having served their year-long bans for the ball-tampering scandal, Smith and Warner will be part of the squad. They will also return to the Cricket Australia contracts list, almost certainly in the mid to lower brackets.

Warner has been in excellent touch through the Indian Premier League, highlighting his thirst for runs remains as great as ever. Smith has been less productive but had a recent half-century. While there are those who question Smith's most recent one-day international form, 102 runs at 20.4 in five innings against England in 2017-18, he is still seen as a potential match-winner.

The national selectors will show their hand on a range of fronts, for the central contracts list and limited overs and four-day squads for the Australia A tour of England, the latter to shape the Ashes tour squad, will also be confirmed.

Ashton Agar, Billy Stanlake and Andrew Tye face losing their contracts while there was expected to have been considerable debate over Matt Renshaw, who had a poor summer. Mitch Marsh had been Test vice-captain late last year but lost his spot in all three formats but could still retain a deal. Emerging star Will Pucovski was among those who could step up.

The Ashes touring squad won't be picked until late July, so performances on the A tour of England, featuring five limited overs matches and three four-day matches, will be important although this squad could change depending on how Australia goes at the World Cup.

Test skipper Tim Paine is set to lead the A side in at least two of the four-day matches - the final match is against a Test-strength Australian side finishing just days before the first Ashes Test.

This could mean fellow gloveman Matthew Wade, if selected, is used as a specialist batsman. Wade and Test opener Marcus Harris are the only men to make 1000 Sheffield Shield runs this year. Test batsmen Marcus Harris, Joe Burns and Kurtis Patterson can also expect to be selected.

Veteran quick Peter Siddle said he had been told to focus on county cricket rather than join the A squad, giving selectors the opportunity to analyse more aspirants. However, James Pattinson was recently told to his surprise that he may be needed for the Australia A one-dayers rather than the initial plan of having him also focus on county cricket.

Likely World Cup squad:

Batsmen: Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh.
Wicketkeeper: Alex Carey.
Allrounders: Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell.
Fast bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Spinners: Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/hazlewood-handscomb-set-to-miss-world-cup-20190414-p51dz9.html

 

[Hasan123]

Handscomb has to be selected. He's the back up keeper, if he is on the bench at least he will be in the country adapting to the conditions. Can't trust Shaun Marsh. Smith and Khawaja can play his role better.

I would leave Shaun Marsh. I wouldn't be surprised if Mitch Marsh makes the squad.

 

[Ab Fan]

Is India the only team that can stop Australia from winning the World Cup?

 

[Gullycricket]

Seen lot of posts here and people seem to have given up on Australia retaining the WC.But seeing the 2nd match between Aus and SA made me realize why they cannot be wriiten off.Under the pump,they restricted a fairly good SA side.With inevitable comebacks of Smith and Warner I think they they will easily make it to semis and after that they thrive in knockouts.
I will not be surprised if they lift WC instead of favorites like Eng,India.Smith and Warner will be looking to make up for their mistakes and nothing better than a WC and an Ashes Win in England.If there is one team which can make it from here it is Australia.

Would like your opinions?

Called it.Not yet there but they are coming into their own

 

[Plumb]

HaHaHa funny very funny posts here...Aus is the team which will always always take the game deep. They will definitely make the Semis for sure.

called it way before

 

[Hasan123]

Always knew Australia were one of the teams to beat this WC.

 

[yasir]

AUS is a team, who wins World Cup hands down when they are favorite(99,03,07,15)...When they are not favorite they have still won the Cup(87)...4/5 players have been part of last Champion team, they have won half of the total WCs (5 in 10), how anybody can take them lightly??

Mentally they are the strongest team, which is biggest key to their success in WCs

 

[The_Odd_One]

They are shaping up nicely and will be a force to reckon with at the world cup. Their batting still can't match England's but their bowling is far superior and they handle pressure better than any other team. If they face England in a knockout game, I will not be surprised, if they beat England.

And so they did.