ICC World Cup 2019 | Australia’s predicted XI for the game against West Indies

06/06/2019

After an emphatic start to their campaign, where both the teams recorded convincing wins, Australia and Windies will battle it out in their second game at Nottingham. Australia will look forward to maintaining their winning momentum with a stable performance against the high-on-confidence Windes.

Openers

Aaron Finch

The Australian skipper has peaked at the very right time and has looked in a different zone altogether. He got some runs in the previous encounter and should be brimming with confidence going against the intimidating Windies attack.

David Warner

The southpaw got some crucial runs under his belt on the ODI return but on a slower strike-rate. Warner would look to step on the accelerator against Windies and get back in his zone and zen. And once he does so, there won’t be any stopping as he proved it in the recently-concluded IPL.

Middle-order

Usman Khawaja

The left-handed batsman had to step down to number three after Warner’s return to the side but he will be eager to make an impact at the crucial position. Khawaja has been in incredible form in recent times and has scored heavily at the top. Will the change in position affect his productivity or not is an open debate, for now, he would look to get the scoreboard ticking.

Steve Smith

One of the best batsmen in contemporary cricket, Smith holds the key for Australia in this tournament. He got out early in the previous game and needs to get going before it’s too late, which is he is quite capable of.

All-rounders

Glenn Maxwell

A player like Maxwell is always an asset to the side. He is electrifying with the bat, handy with the ball and a live wire when it comes to fielding. He can take the game away in a span of few overs and will be the man to watch out for against the Windies.

Marcus Stoinis

The all-rounder has been a utility cricketer for the side. He was among the wickets in their previous game and will continue to pose a threat for the Windies. Stoinis can inflict massive damage with his wily bowling against the explosive Windies batting.

Alex Carey (WK)

The keeper did well in their opening game, cupping four catches and a stumping. Australia’s lower batting will be tested against Windies, which is where Carey will have to step up and deliver.

Pacers

Nathan Coulter-Nile

He does the job of a third seamer with perfection. He may not be among the wickets but keeps things tight at his end which creates opportunities at the other. Nathan Coulter-Nile is quite handy with the bat too and brings solid depth in this line-up.

Pat Cummins

In cricket, there are very few things as mesmerising as to watch a bowler put in the hard yards. Cummins bowled beautifully in the opening game and accounted for three wickets. He is the buzz going around in Australian cricket and has to do well if Australia are eyeing to go a long way in this tournament.

Mitchell Starc

He may not have looked in the best of touches last game but the left-arm pacer has bowled well in phases. He cleaned Mohammad Shahzad with a beauty and needs to find consistency. He was the highest wicket-taker in the 2015 edition and there is no reason why he cannot replicate his magic once again.

Spinner

Adam Zampa

With wrist-spinner being the talk of the town, Zampa scalped three wickets to get things going in the opening game. He bowls that difficult length and exploits the surface brutally. The budding leggie has a solid chance to cement his spot with an impactful spell.