World Cup 2019: 3 reasons why Australia can win the tournament

Australia are one of the favourites at the World Cup 2019. They will be confident of lifting the trophy for a record-extending sixth time.

But their World Cup chances did not look promising at all a year ago.

2018 was a disaster for the Aussies to say the least. Steve Smith and David Warner, their best batsmen, were given year-long bans in March of that year for their involvement in a ball-tampering scandal. The incident led to an unprecedented backlash in Australia.

Australia lost 11 of their 13 ODI matches in 2018, most of them in the pair’s absence.

But 2019 saw a complete revival of the team’s fortunes. Australia defeated India and Pakistan in ODI series during March. They have now won four of their first five World Cup matches. Smith and Warner are back in the team and look more determined than ever.

There are several reasons why Australia can win the World Cup 2019. Let us look at three of those:

#3 Amazing tournament history and big match temperament

Australia celebrating World Cup 2015 win

Australia have quite an illustrious World Cup history.

They have won the tournament a record five times: in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. They dominated ODI cricket between the years 1999 and 2007. The team included big names such as Matthew Hayden, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Bevan, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

One attribute that Australia has in spades is big match temperament. They act differently from other teams during big matches. A lot of teams freeze under pressure and make awkward mistakes. But Australia thrive under pressure. In fact, pressure brings out the best in them; they are entertainers on the big stage.

They have won five of the seven World Cup finals they have played. Australia will be expected to win another final in 2019, if they reach that stage.

#2 Strong batting line-up

Aaron Finch

Australia have one of the strongest batting line-ups at the tournament. They have posted scores of 300-plus on three occasions already at the 2019 event.

Australia have sublime batsmen from number one to seven. Let’s start at the top of that order.

Aaron Finch and David Warner are the openers. Finch has led from the front with 343 runs and has been prolific alongside Warner. The captain scored 153 runs against Sri Lanka and will look to continue his good form.

Steve Smith, coming in at number three, has lots of class. Shaun Marsh, at number four, has a sound technique, while Usman Khawaja oozes elegance.

Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey, at number six and seven respectively, can score quick runs in the last 10 overs to lift their team to a winning total.

Australia will be a dangerous side if these players find form. Their batting can win them the World Cup 2019.

#1 Dangerous Starc and Cummins

Pat Cummins

Mitchell Starc has a remarkable World Cup record. He has taken 35 wickets and he’s only halfway through his second tournament.

The 29-year-old was the highest wicket-taker at the 2015 World Cup, with 22 scalps. He has been one of the best fast bowlers since that breakthrough tournament. And he has formed a potent new-ball partnership with Pat Cummins since the 2015 event.

The pair has played a big role in Australia’s success this year. They have carried their excellent form into the World Cup 2019, where they have taken 24 wickets between them.

Starc took 5-46 in Australia's second match versus the West Indies and followed it up with 4-55 against Sri Lanka in his most recent match. Cummins got in the act against Pakistan, taking 3-33.

The bowlers have two very different approaches. Starc is a master at cleaning up the tail. He can bowl fast in-swinging yorkers that batsmen often miss. Cummins hits the deck hard and gets extra bounce.

Combine these two approaches and you have a world-class partnership.