The Australian preliminary T20 World Cup team combines familiar faces with some optimism for the future. Three players who have had significant injuries over the past year (Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David) were selected for this preliminary list – they haven’t played much cricket since their last injuries (Cummins- one test; Hazlewood-Achilles tendon; David-hamstring). The selectors are hopeful that these players will be able to play in both Sri Lanka and India in early November. It seems that the selectors didn’t select the best 15 players available, but rather the 15 players they believe can adjust to the sub-continent conditions.
Seamers on a Tightrope
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, however, are the core of Australia’s bowling unit. However, the extent to which players who have had their bowling activity severely restricted by injury can produce peak speed throughout a T20 season is an open question. Historically, Australian selectors have taken significant risks with returning quicks, think Brett Lee in 2007, but the nature of the T20 game does not allow for many errors. Hazlewood’s Achilles problem also adds to the complexity of the selectors’ decision, as the bowling of both men, particularly when they play in subcontinent countries that are known for producing slow to medium-paced wickets, will require not only speed, but precision as well.
Tim David’s Game-Changer Potential
Interestingly, David was included in the squad despite having suffered a hamstring injury recently. David is known for his ability to hit big shots in the final few overs of the match and is capable of turning a mediocre total into competitive scores with very few deliveries at the end. Historically, Australia has had difficulty finding the right combination of players who are able to provide explosive finishes and consistent run scorers. Perhaps David is the player who can fill this void. If David can recover from his hamstring injury quickly enough, it may also allow him to have a significant impact early in the tournament, as hamstring injuries often happen again shortly after the first one occurs.
Spin-Heavy Blueprint for Subcontinent Success
Australia’s selection of an attacking lineup was designed around spin, and it has been confirmed through the inclusion of the left-arm wrist spinner, Adam Zampa, and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Spinners have historically had success in Indian and Sri Lankan conditions, and the Australian selectors chose a similar route as they did in the 2010 and 2016 T20 World Cups, where spin combinations were key to results in group stage matches. By selecting three spin bowlers, the Australian selectors will be able to better prepare for expected slower wickets than they would have if they selected fewer spin options; however, the problem is ensuring the bowling unit has flexibility to adjust to unexpected bounce or dew, while not putting too much pressure on the inexperience of players such as Xavier Bartlett or Matthew Kuhnemann.
Leadership and Depth Considerations
Returning Mitchell Marsh provides a consistent voice in the decision-making process for the Australian side. Returning Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly provide additional batting options that were absent from the first two games against India. Josh Inglis will be the lone wicket-keeper selected into the Australian team, providing an opportunity for selectors to have some flexibility about player rest and injury protection. The idea of having depth is not simply having backup options available. It is also about being able to adjust tactically over 20 overs.
Historically, Australia has had difficulty winning matches where they rely too much on their “star” performers without a group of players who are adaptable to varying conditions throughout subcontinent cricket. It appears as though this time around the selectors want to strike a balance between proven match winners and players who can adjust to the changing subcontinent conditions.