Predicted Australian XI for the 2016 T20 World Cup

Come next year, the game will change. But, will the winner change? The answer is going to be a tough one. This year, the mighty Aussies once again proved to the world that they were legends for a reason. With the 50 over World Cup in their kitty, the Australians will go all guns blazing to secure their first ever T20 World Cup, in India in 2016.With heavy competition from other teams and traditionally batsmen friendly pitches, it is extremely important that Australia gets the combination right. Here is the predicted XI that Australia might field in a bid to reverse their T20 fortunes.

#1 Aaron Finch (captain)

Aaron Finch is someone who has plenty of experience playing the shorter format of the game. Following George Bailey’s resignation, he has been appointed as the new T20 captain and he certainly has a long way to go in terms of building a team that can soak in the pressure of a high profile tournament.

An attacking batsman, he is currently the 2nd best T20 batsman and his contribution at the top of the batting line-up will do wonders for the team in sub-continent conditions. Leading an inexperienced team, the onus will be on him to lead the team from all sides.

#2 David Warner

This pocket sized dynamo has come a long way from being a temperemental T20 wonder to one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket. An aggressive left-hander, David Warner’s experience and style of play will lend some much needed stability to the Australians in the middle.

With plenty of runs in his bag and ample experience of playing in the IPL, Warner would be raring to go in the T20 World Cup and would be hoping to give a blitzkreig start to the team all the way.

#3 Shane Watson

Shane Watson is one cricketer who can call India his second home. His experience and success in the Indian Premier League over the years will hold him in good stead come next year. Having retired from Test Cricket folllowing Australia’s ashes loss, Watto would be raring to attain match fitness and come out of a slump in form.

Being a fast-bowling all-rounder, Watson brings in much needed variation into the team and can contribute a few decent overs in the middle. This would enable the captain to use a genuine spinner who can be extremely crucial on certain Indian tracks.

#4 Steven Smith

Australia’s fortunes in the upcoming World Cup will largely depend upon Steven Smith’s performance in the middle. In terms of strategy, Smith will be expected to play a major role with his experience that he has gained over the past couple of years in his brief but illustrious time playing international cricket for Australia.

His all-round capabilities will be handy and his leg breaks will play a major role on turning tracks especially in day-night matches. Batting at No. 3 will ensure that he will provide the anchor role and can guide other power hitters the liberty to flex their arms.

#5 George Bailey

If there is one man who stands out in the ever competitive Australian lineup, it has to be George Bailey. This smiling assassin has become an integral part of the squad following the retirement of many seniors. As a batsman, Bailey is extremely adaptable and provides a much needed balance in the middle.

As captain of the Kings XI Punjab, his experience of Indian pitches would definitely come in handy. Having settled in the Australian lineup finally, he would definitely want to make it count at this position which is extremely important in terms of strike rotation.

#6 Matthew Wade

Australia has been struggling in the recent past to find a wicket keeper who can carry forward the legacy that Adam Gilchrist left behind. Following the retirement of Brad Haddin, Matthew Wade seems to be emerging as the front runner for the position. He is someone who has always grabbed his chances and is a decent keeper.

This southpaw will be extremely crucial in the middle overs and can accelerate the innings which would be useful for the attacking batsmen down the order.

#7 Glenn Maxwell

Here is one man who will definitely be in the list of players to watch out for. Having established himself as one of the biggest names in the shortest format, Glenn Maxwell has a lot of responsibility on his hands this time around. His mere prescence in the death overs is enough to bolster Australia’s chances.

Apart from the ability to accelerate the scoring rate with ease, he also can send in a few overs of decent off-spin. A brilliant fielder, we can expect a few magical moments on the field from him.

#8 James Faulkner

Faulkner played a major role in Australia winning the 2015 ICC World Cup and has become a vital member of the Australian team. At No. 8, he is someone who has shown that he has the temperament to play according to the match situation. Nicknamed ‘The Finisher’, he is the go-to man to stabilise rare batting collapses and can effectively bat with tail-enders.

A left-arm pacer, he will have an important role during the power play overs and his variations will be of a lot of use. He will be eager to incorporate his IPL lessons for a successful campaign in a bid to win his first T20 World Cup.

#9 Pat Cummins

With extremely flat pitches and comparatively shorter boundaries, this T20 World Cup seems to be a perfect extravaganza for the fans. However, the bowlers do have a lot of work on their hands in terms of strategising. While the plan will be to grab a few quick wickets in the initial overs, Pat Cummins will play a crucial role in implementing it.

With an average speed of 145 kmph, he seems to be one of the brightest fast bowling pospects and has showed a lot of promise. While he is currently nursing a stress fracture, he has set his sights for recovery in time for the T20 squad selections and prove his potential.

#10 Mitchell Starc

Some cricketers can just turn their team around with their mere prescence and these cricketers turn out to be game changers. Who can forget the change in fortunes for RCB in the previous IPL following the arrival of Mitchell Starc?

Arguably the best limited overs bowler currently, Starc will be ready to spearhead the Australian bowling attack next year. He is a vital cog in the bowling attack and his inswinging yorkers in the death overs will be much anticipated. One would definitely expect things to heat up with Starc in the middlle.

#11 Cameron Boyce

Australia finally seems to have found a solution to its never ending spin bowling woes. While the team has some world class batsmen in its ranks, this man could well turn out to be the dark horse.

Touted as the best leg-spinner in Australia since Shane Warne, Boyce will be eager to prove himself. If selected, it will be interesting to see how he carries himself and his effective use of variations under pressure. As a specialist spinner, he has his task cut out and will hope to do justice to his potential selection by choking the run flow in the middle overs.