ICC World Cup 2019: One player from each of the top 5 ICC ODI ranked teams that can help them win the tournament

ODI Rank #5 Australia – Steve Smith

Steve Smith

When was the last time you saw a World Champion ranked at No.5 on the ICC ranking? Since the last World Cup edition, the Australian team has undergone a transition that hasn’t been very smooth, to say the least, and just when they looked like regaining their authority over the world of cricket, they were struck with ball-tampering controversy leading to bans over their best players last year, resulting in a dreadful 2018.

However, Australia appears to be gaining some momentum with their away series win against a very strong Indian team in their own backyard. Under the guidance of an aggressive coach, Justin Langer and newly appointed assistant coach (exclusively for the World Cup), the two time ICC World Cup winning captain, Ricky Pointing, Australia promises to be a team to reckon with in the mega event. And most importantly, with a much-needed influx of the banned duo (expected) – Steve Smith and David Warner – they may just successfully turn the tide around.

But let’s accept it, the Australian bowling line isn’t really threating. Though they have few quality players in their batting line up – Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja, and Glen Maxwell – currently, they don’t look like a team that can win the world’s biggest cricketing tournament. At this stage, the Australian team genuinely needs someone to bring their self-belief, aggression, and confidence back and there can be no one better than the former captain, Smith.

Thankfully, 29-year-old will make his return to international cricket in the ICC World Cup and beyond any stretch of the imagination; he will make every effort, not just with his exceptional batting but in every aspect of the game to win it for Australia and help them lift the World’s most prestigious cricketing trophy. Somewhere deep down in his heart only, it will make amends for the humiliation and shame the controversial ball-tempering saga brought upon on a proud cricketing nation.

Smith has everything Australia needs – the aggression, the experience, the skills and the hunger and most importantly, the reason to lead the team, even without the title and win it for Australia. Should he manages a get going, just like his good old days; don’t be surprised if Australia ends up successfully defending the title and wins the ICC World Cup for the 6th occasion.