The champions of 2021 earned the right to be called a grand slam champion after securing the T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship match in 2023, the two trophies they lacked in their cabinet. But does this mean they’re not hungry anymore to win titles? Time will tell.
We can discuss how the Australian side shapes up under a new leader in Mitchell Marsh and how far they can go in the competition. The stats speak positively about Marsh’s captaincy, with the all-rounder winning seven out of eight games for his nation despite losing seven coin-flips. But the World Cup is a different pressure and tactical game. Let’s quickly review the strengths, weaknesses, X-factor, and predictions for the mighty Aussies.
Squad of Australia in T20 World Cup 2024
Batters: Matthew Wade, Josh Inglis, David Warner
All-rounders: Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Marsh ©
Pacers: Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis
Spinner: Adam Zampa
Strengths of Australia in T20 World Cup 2024
Destructive Batting Order
The Australian squad possesses a dynamic top-order batting lineup, with the likes of David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David likely forming the top six.
Warner will be eager to perform again on the biggest stage, as this could be his last World Cup. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh epitomize aggressive batting, while Glenn Maxwell can be dangerous any day of the year. Marsh, Warner, Head, Stoinis, and David all average over 32 and have a strike rate of over 140 in the format since January 1, 2021.
All these top-order batters can win matches by scoring heavily. The middle order also boasts great finishers in Tim David and Marcus Stoinis, with Matthew Wade further strengthening the lineup.
Plethora of All-Round Options
The Kangaroos have abundant all-rounders. With no impact player rule like in the IPL and the SA20 league, these all-rounders will greatly impact the game. Ashton Agar and Marcus Stoinis might benefit from conditions in the West Indies and USA, with Glenn Maxwell providing right-arm off-spin. Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, and Tim David could contribute with their part-time bowling. For medium-pace backups, Cameron Green can be handy.
Weaknesses: Where Australia Might Lose the Plot
Batting Form in the Middle Order
Glenn Maxwell was one of the biggest flops in IPL 2024, scoring just 52 runs from ten innings at an average of 5.78 and a strike rate of 120.93. He hopes to bounce back in national colours after this dip in form. The other middle-order batters, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, and Matthew Wade, also have issues. While David played some cameos for the Mumbai Indians, Wade lacked proper game time with the Gujarat Titans. Although Stoinis had a great outing with the bat during IPL 2024, his role will change, and he will need to showcase his finishing prowess.
X-Factor of Australia in T20 World Cup 2024
Adam Zampa
The wrist spinner is one of the best in the business in the T20 format. He has consistently performed for Australia, bagging 53 wickets since 2021. With various variations, Zampa brings a wealth of experience, making him ideal for conditions that assist spinners. In the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, he took 13 wickets in seven innings with a strike rate of 12.07 and an economy of 5.81.
Players to Watch Out for in T20 World Cup 2024
David Warner
The 37-year-old will likely play his last T20 World Cup as he will strive to make a big impact. He has scored 806 runs from 34 matches at a strike rate of 133.22 in T20 World Cups, making him the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history.
Mitchell Marsh
Marsh has amassed 346 runs for Australia in T20Is as the skipper, averaging 69.20. He can also be handy with his seam bowling in the middle overs.
Mitchell Starc
One of the best bowlers in big events, Starc found form in the latter half of IPL 2024 after a poor start. He claimed Player of the Match awards in Qualifier 1 and the final due to his early breakthroughs. It won’t be surprising if he continues his good work in the World Cup.
Prediction
The Australian cricket team is one of the favourites to win the World Cup title. They have almost all bases covered, and their success will depend on their execution during the tournament. With plenty of match-winners in the squad, it would be surprising if they do not make it to the semi-finals this year. 
