T20 World Cup 2024: SWOT analysis of Australia - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Australia and the World Cup are inseparable at this moment. After their golden era won three back-to-back ODI World Cups, they were quiet for a few years before winning again in 2015. However, one thing that always bothered the aggressive Aussies is that they could never achieve the same success in the shortest format of the game. That changed in 2021 when they went on to win the T20 World Cup under captain Aaron Finch.

Two years later, when Australia were thought to be down and considered to be out of contention for the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup following two back-to-back losses, the Pat Cummins-led side made a phenomenal comeback went on to win the coveted prize in a packed stadium in Ahmedabad in 2023.

The Aussies never give up and they simply know the art of winning. In the last couple of years, whatever Cummins touched has turned into gold. Barring the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they have won every single thing and one can put their money on them again to do well in the T20 World Cup, which is already underway. However, things are not going to be simple this time around. 

Crossing the league stage - which also features Scotland, Oman, Namibia, and England shouldn’t be difficult but post that, it will be a tough challenge. They have a good experienced side but playing in spin-friendly conditions of West Indies and USA won’t be an easy task, especially when most of them were playing on flat surfaces in India during the IPL. The transition to playing on those surfaces might prove to be a massive challenge but Aussies love challenges. That probably pumps adrenaline. 

Even in the T20 World Cup 2021, when the odds were against them in the spinning conditions in UAE, they did the unthinkable and went on to win the trophy. However, that doesn’t guarantee them doing it again, especially when there are several problems that the Mitchell Marsh-led side needs to address immediately. Here are some points or things that are perfect, not so perfect, key players, differentiators, and why Australia can win the T20 World Cup again.

Attention to Detail- Strengths

Experience is arguably Australia’s biggest strength in this T20 World Cup. The likes of David Warner, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, and the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood have whatever it takes to win the coveted trophy. They also have experience in playing on slow surfaces, which a lot of teams don’t have. 

On the other hand, their middle order looks stacked with Cameron Green, Maxwell, Marsh, Tim David, and Marcus Stoinis available for selection. All these players understand the value of playing an aggressive brand of cricket in the middle overs and that surely would boost Australia’s chances. Most importantly, barring Marsh, all the other cricketers were active in the IPL and would not require the need to adjust to the format.

Travis Head, who was ruthless in the IPL, will be key for Australia in the mega tournament. The opener always stood up on big occasions and will be looking to give a rapid start to Australia, which is extremely vital in T20 cricket. Even though his form slightly dipped towards the later phase of the IPL, that shouldn't bother Australia much. He is a runaway match-winner on his day.

When it comes to bowlers, they arguably have the best pace unit. Starc looked ordinary throughout the league stage of the IPL but he delivered when it mattered the most. The pacer bagged Player of the Match in Qualifier 1 and in the final, which shows his pedigree during crunch times.

Even though Hazlewood will play after a break, that won't be a problem as he has done it several times for Australia. Meanwhile, Cummins is in the form of his life and has a winning mentality. He will play a vital role in the middle overs. They also have Nathan Ellis, who can make a difference. The pacer played just one match in the IPL 2024 and will be fresh, unlike Starc or Cummins.

Achilles’ Heel- Weaknesses

David Warner’s form is a massive concern at the moment. The opener made only 168 runs in eight matches in IPL 2024 and was dropped at one point. Interestingly, fellow Australian Jake Fraser-McGurk was picked ahead of him and the youngster proved to be one of the players to watch out for. He smashed 330 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 234.04 but yet, the 22-year-old wasn’t named in the 15-member squad.

In case Warner doesn’t turn up, that decision might haunt Australia in the World Cup. The southpaw was also nurturing an injury in the IPL and that is something that the team management needs to take care of as well. Marsh, Warner’s Delhi Capitals teammate picked up a hamstring injury and was ruled out of the IPL. He will make his return after the injury, which is slightly concerning. Meanwhile, Maxwell and Tim aren’t in good form and that is another area that the team management needs to address. 

The Crowning Moment- Opportunities

Despite not having Steven Smith, the current batch is probably living in the golden era of Australian cricket. They are currently the World Champions in both Test and ODI cricket and by winning the T20 World Cup, they can achieve greatness. This can also be the last ICC tournament for Warner and Wade and they would aim to leave with a silverware.

The Perfect Storm- Threats

Teams like New Zealand, South Africa, and England seem extremely dangerous on paper. Australia need to be well-prepared to face them in the knockout matches. They have barely played cricket in the Caribbean islands in the recent past and may take more time to get adjusted to the conditions. That is one major threat for them in the upcoming tournament.

To add to that, injuries and form of some cricketers are also concerning. Overall, despite being one of the favourites, Australia need to work on several aspects to be the world champion. How well they fare against spinners may decide their campaign.