CT 2017, TEAM PREVIEW: Hostile pacers, explosive top-order key to Australia's third title
TALK ABOUT any ICC limited overs tournament and one cannot write off Australia's chances under any circumstances. The two-time champions find themselves in Group A alongside hosts England, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Although Steven Smith's men have not enjoyed a great run in 50 overs format after winning the World Cup in 2015, they certainly have all the ammunition to make the knockout stages in the Champions Trophy.
The Aussies might be ranked No.2 in the ICC ODI rankings, but haven't been very consistent lately. After being whitewashed (0-5) by the Proteas in South Africa towards the end of 2016, the men in yellow did salvage some pride by beating Pakistan and New Zealand at home. However, the Kiwis avenged their defeat immediately at the beginning of 2017.
Unfortunately, the Aussies have not been able to field a fully-fit team for some time now. It's not to be forgotten that they were forced to send a weakened side to South Africa last summer. That said, the likes of Mitchell Starc and Chris Lynn are back to full fitness and there is little to suggest that the won't Kangaroos can't win this prestigious tournament for the third time. The Aussies will kick off their campaign against the Kiwis on 2nd June in Birmingham.
Strength
Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson. The Aussie have arguably the best seam attack going into the Champions Trophy. Skipper Smith will be delighted to have all their match winning pacers fit and raring to go. Very rarely have these battery of fast bowlers played together for Australia, owing to their frequent injuries. Given the conducive conditions in England, expect plenty of hostility from the Aussie pacers. Simply put, all four can win matches on their own.
Chris Lynn, David Warner and Aaron Finch in the top-3. There could be carnage in the powerplay. The Aussies will be pinning their hopes on these explosive batsmen to given them rollicking start and set the platform for captain Smith and the all-rounders to follow.
Three match-winning all-rounders in the middle order give Australia tremendous balance and hope. Maxwell, Stoinis and Henriques can all chip in with both bat and ball. Furthermore, they are also brilliant fielders.
Weakness
The Aussies might be one of the favourites to win the Champions Trophy for the third time, but their record last time around in England wasn't impressive at all. Having failed to win a single game, the Aussies will feel the pressure heading into this edition.
Australia's strength can also prove to be their weakness. While everybody expects the top-order and all-rounders to win games with the bat, players can get complacent and that might prove to be detrimental.
Champions Trophy history
1998- Quarters
2000- Quarters
2002- Semis
2004- Semis
2006- Champions
2009- Champions
2013- Group Stage
TFG Verdict
Regardless of their recent form, the Aussies know how to raise their level in an ICC tournament. Given their impressive record in knockout tournaments and their formidable team, we expect them to at least make the semis. That said, we won't be surprised to see them go all the way and win their third Champions Trophy on 18th June at the Oval.
TEAM
BAT- Steve Smith (captain), Aaron Finch, David Warner, Chris Lynn, Travis Head
WK- Mathew Wade
BOWL- Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, John Hastings, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, James Pattinson
A/R- Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis
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