The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to get underway on June 1, with a total of 20 teams participating in it. This event will be hosted by the USA and West Indies. Five teams each will play in four different groups, and the top two from each group will make it to the next round. Australia will be playing in Group B, along with England, Scotland, Namibia, and Oman.
Mitchell Marsh will be leading the squad in this mega event, and they will play their opening game on June 5 against Oman in Barbados. Australia are currently holding the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup titles, and they would like to add the T20 title as well. But it won’t be easy, as they couldn’t even qualify for the semifinals in the last edition. However, the squad is looking brilliant, and here we will do the SWOT analysis of Australia for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar.
Australia’s Strength for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Powerhitters from top to bottom
There was a time when scoring 160 runs in T20s was considered an ideal score, but now even 200 is not safe. Teams are scoring 200 or more for fun, and it is only possible because of the powerhitters they include in their squad. Australia are certainly one of them. Led by Mitchell Marsh, the Men in Yellow have a number of attacking batters who can single-handedly change the course of the game, which makes it hard for the opponents. The likes of David Warner, Josh Inglish, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell are known for their power, and if anyone sticks to the crease, he can take the game away.
2. More options with bat and ball
An all-rounder is a very key member of any squad. A genuine all-rounder is a gold-dust who can contribute with both the bat and the ball. It gives the team an extra bowling option and also increases the depth of batting. However, Australia don’t have one or two; they have 4-5 players who can do both jobs equally well. Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Cameron Green are the pace bowling all-rounders, while Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Agar, and Tim David are spin-bowling all-rounders. And guess what? All these are regulars in the XI. It means Australia have 6-7 bowling options and batting unit No. 9 in a playing XI.
Australia’s Weaknesses for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Spin Department
The pitches to be used in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 are expected to be on the slower side, and there will be a lot of purchases for every team. That is why it is important to have 2-3 specialist spinners in the team that can use the conditions well. There will not be much for the pacers. However, Australia have added two spinners to their side: Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar. Zampa is their premier spinner, while Agar has been in and out of the team. So that might be one area that can impact the middle overs. Because if the opponent targets Zampa, then they don’t have another specialist spinner to contain the batter.
2. Weakness while playing quality spin
There is no doubt that the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup will be a spin-dominant tournament. Because that’s how the pitches are in the USA and West Indies. So it means a team needs a good spinner, and they also need batters who can play the spin well. But when it comes to the Australian batters, they have the firepower, but the world knows about their weakness against quality spin-bowling. Hence, that may be a deciding factor when Australia face a team that has good spinners.
Opportunities ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Australia are the most dominant team in the game of cricket, and they have a golden chance to add yet another ICC title to their kitty. They have won the last two major ICC events in the last 12 months, and if they can win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, it will be history. Adding to that, this might be the last T20 World Cup for players like David Warner, Mitchell Starc, and a few more. So they would like to win it. Furthermore, the youngsters who are coming through the ranks have a chance to perform on the big stage and show that they can replace the seniors.
Threat for Australia in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Players like David Warner and Glenn Maxwell are among the core players for Australia who have contributed a lot to the team’s success. But the biggest worry is their form. They are struggling at the moment, which was visible in the IPL 2024. Australia want them to come out well, but if not, it can affect them in big matches. Adding to that, Australia’s death bowling is also a concern. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood aren’t death specialists, but that’s what they have. Nathan Ellis is another new-ball bowler. Hence, Australia need to plan something here while bowling in the final overs.
(Predicted) Strongest Playing XI for Australia in ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood