Australia have announced their fifteen man squad of who will be representing their country in the 2015 Cricket World Cup; a squad that contains the majority of the players who have successfully lead themselves back to the number one ODI ranking. This is the same team who will play in the Carlton Mid One Day International Tri Series against India and England in preparation for the World Cup.
Michael Clarke will lead his team, should he recover from injury that has been plaguing him for months on end, but has been given a deadline to prove his fitness. If Clarke is unable to pass his fitness test by Australia’s second World Cup game against Bangladesh on the 21st of February, he will be replaced in the team and Vice-captain George Bailey will take charge of things. There has been no official word on who the incoming player will be, but many expect Shaun Marsh to fill the empty spot.
Mitchell Marsh, who is fighting a hamstring injury, is progressing at a desirable rate and should become available as early as the Tri Series tournament.
Australia is not lacking power in their batting line-up. David Warner and Aaron Finch have both shown incredible form at the top of the order over the last few months, creating a solid base for the innings to be built on. Steven Smith has proven himself multiple times in his recent outings at the crease and will definitely have a target on his back due his smart batting and explosive power.
Xavier Doherty has pushed out Nathan Lyon in the selection of the specialist spinner. He has been involved in the ODI set-up for the last five years, taking 54 wickets in 57 ODIs, earning the trust of the selectors in his ability to get the job done. In addition to Doherty, Australia can look to Glenn Maxwell and Smith for part-time spinners.
Youngster Josh Hazelwood has successfully bowled himself into the team. After being selected to play against South Africa in November of last year, he managed to take nine wickets in just four ODIs. Combined with the twelve wickets he took in three test matches after his debut in December of the same year, selectors are optimistic that he will be able to take the pressure.
Hazlewood will be joined by Pat Cummins in providing the young, quick pace to the bowling attack. Cummins has been plagued by injury for most of his career so far, but since his latest return has shown good pace and the ability to take wickets in every match he features.
Australia will be aiming for their fifth ICC Cricket World Cup trophy once the tournament begins in just under one month’s time, and if their recent form is anything to judge them by, they will definitely be firm favourites in the race to the top.
Team
Michael Clarke (c), George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson
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