Aussie Lads in the World Cup Down Under

The SWOT analysis of Australian team for World Cup 2015.

Line Up for the world cup:

Michael Clarke (C), George Bailey (VC), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty

Strengths

   

The absolutely world cup ready Australian side doesn’t lack strengths. With the captain in terrific form, batsmen like Warner and Smith the batting side is reliable and powerful. Although Clarke hasn’t been playing much lately but his experience of playing for the cup is unquestionable.

Warner couldn’t possibly be in a better form. With his modified batting style, he has been shining just as bright in test cricket as well. Scoring 406 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 93, he will prove to be an asset for Australian cricket.

Steven Smith is probably at his prime too. Without any exceptional technique or unusual batting styles, he has been garnering runs for his team quite consistently. He has come a long way since his debut and has given the Australians much more than they could’ve asked for with 541 runs to his name in 12 matches at an average of almost 50.

The Australian bowling attack comprising of Johnson, Starc and Hazlewood gets fiercer with the pitches more suitable for ‘hit the deck hard’ bowling style.

Hosts have a great chance to reclaim the cup in their home grounds and they certainly are one of the toughest teams to beat.

Weaknesses

Australians need a good player at no. 3. Watson hasn’t been performing recently and seems to have developed an infirmity against the incoming deliveries resulting in LBWs very often, scoring just 165 runs in the 7 matches that he played in 2014. His bowling has also taken a backseat, with just 2 wickets to his credit at an economy of 6.80. It is crucial for him to keep his calm and bowl confidently yet again.

The team lacks a quality spinner which might prove to be pivotal when the pacers start giving runs. Nathan Lyon couldn’t make to the team and Doherty too has been on and off. Though his economy has been decent, Xavier Doherty’s game hasn’t been very impressive either, picking just 6 wickets of 6 games in 2014.

To top it all, Australia has an inexperienced middle order with most of the players debuting their world cup. As strong as the top order may be, the middle order may tumble off quickly.

Opportunities

Despite the weaknesses, the Australians present a strong front to their opponents. With the home crowd cheering them, the opportunity couldn’t be more apt for this young Australian team to reclaim the cup and re-establish their dominance on cricket. The Michael Clarke led team has everything to lift the trophy for the 5 time. They are further motivated for this as a tribute to the late Philip Hughes.

Threats

Absence of an established batsman at no. 3 position poses a threat of exposing the inexperienced middle order to the relatively newer ball leading to batting collapses. The over dependence of Australian team on Steve Smith may also prove fatal. Glenn Maxwell too isn’t very reliable, thereby further increasing the vulnerability of the middle order. The bowling span would become difficult in the middle over owing to the absence of a quality spinner. Keeping the loopholes in mind, it’s time for the Australians to play their full potential.

Edited by Bhavna Rachuri