Australia Squad for T20 World Cup 2010

Australian selectors announced their final squad for the upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2010. In this squad, they have given more importance on young and experienced players. No uncapped player has been included in this 15-man squad. Look at the squad at glace-

Australia Squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Cameron White, Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Dirk Nannes, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Australia has been placed in Group A along with defending champion team, Pakistan, and giant killer, Bangladesh. Australia can face strong protest against Pakistan only. There is no guarantee if Bangladesh can make any upset again or not. However, Australia will try their best to be the group champion putting other two teams behind them. Australia will play their first match against Pakistan on May 2, 2010.

Australian squad is full of young but experienced faces. It seems that the chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch, keeps faith on young blood. I have not found so many old players like Ricky Ponting. There is no place for Ricky Ponting. It makes me surprise for he had not been selected in the shortest version of cricket game. He is the most successful captain in the history of the Australian cricket. He has more knowledge about all forms of cricket game. I think that they could call Ricky Ponting to be with Australia team as an advisor. However, Michael Clarke was named captain as the successful ancestor of Ricky Ponting.

I am not hopeful about the performance of Australian cricket team in the third edition of ICC Twenty20 World Cup. But this year they look much strong and they are more confident to get their maiden trophy in this tournament. Australia is the highest four times ICC World Cup winner. They dominated the cricket world for long time but their performance in the last two T20 versions was not satisfactory. So, naturally the question can come up to your mind is that if they could win the champions trophy this year.

Three experienced fast bowlers have been included in the squad. Brett Lee is one of them. He has got a surprise call in the squad. This 33-year-old player did not play much cricket this summer. Selectors expect that he will regain his fitness before the start of T20 World Cup 2010. This prominent bowler has played only T20 match for his IPL team King's XI Punjab after returning from elbow injury. He won selection ahead of the in-form Ryan Harris.

Brett Lee will continue playing cricket in IPL as the preparation of this tournament. He has taken retirement from Test cricket earlier this year so that he can extend his career in both ODI and T20 form of the cricket game.

Dirk Nannes, who plays for Delhi Daredevils in IPL, is in good form. His form brought him in the Australian squad. He is a leading wicket taker in his club. No doubt, he will be a big asset for the Australian cricket team. Despite being a good bowler, he will have to face a tough challenge by Brett Lee or Mitchell Johnson to get place in the main squad. If selectors select three fast bowlers in a match then he will not have to compete for a place.

Mitchell Johnson has become a part of Australian cricket team. He has been included in all forms of cricket game on a regular basis. I think that, as a bowler, he will be the main choice for the selectors.

The exclusion of in-form player Ryan Harris was very shocking. He was very unlucky player to miss selection despite showing his strong performance in all forms of the game in recent times for Australia. Travis Birt is also another unlucky player. He had limited opportunity to catch the selectors’ attention.

Nathan Hauritz is the only experienced spinner. He has good performance in T20 cricket but I am not sure if selectors will give him chance to play anymore.

This T20 World Cup will be a big challenge for Michael Clarke. Perhaps it will be his first cricket tournament as a captain. Cricket lover are waiting to see if he could lead his team successfully as a captain or the burden of captaincy will affect his batting skill.

The selection of Daniel Christian is perhaps a mystery. However, his all-rounder skill with bat and ball gave him a place. He has the experience of playing only 3 T20 international matches.

Hussey brothers- David Hussey and Mike Hussey, is also a part of this tour. David Hussey is a professional T20 batsman while his brother Mike Hussey is a permanent member in all forms of the cricket game.

Brad Haddin is an experienced wicketkeeper-batsman. He has the experience to play for Australia. However, Tim Paine was included as the second wicketkeeper. If Brad Haddin picks up an injury, Tim Paine will replace him.

Cameron White and Shane Watson are two most experienced all-rounders in Australia team. With the bat, Shane Watson can score huge runs and take wickets with the ball. Shane Watson can play in opening or middle order position. Perhaps it is the only advantage of him. He will be a big threat for the opponent teams.

David Warner is an aggressive opening batsman. When he is in good form, he can demolish any bowling line up. I hope that he will make the match more exciting with his aggressive style.

Compare with other teams, Australia looks much stronger and balanced. Let us see how long they can proceed in ICC T20 World Cup 2010.