T20 World Cup 2022: Probable Playing XI of top 8 teams

Batters win you games and bowlers win you tournaments but at the end of the day, the team combination is what helps a particular team win a major tournament. Especially in T20 cricket, when the entire complexion of a match can change in just six deliveries. For example, despite having a star-studded team, India didn’t win a single ICC trophy in the last nine years and on the other hand, South Africa being one of the best teams of the last decade, failed to win any major trophy. This proves that somewhere down the line, they didn’t have the right balance among players.

As the 2022 T20 World Cup will begin in exactly a month's time, here’s a perfect time to look at all the teams to check how they are shaping up before the global tournament. Currently, Australia the host nation have qualified for the super twelve along with India, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and New Zealand. Who among these nations is looking the strongest on paper and who need to shift gears is what this article will comprise. Without further ado, let’s jump -

Strongest XI of top 8 teams in the tournament

1. Australia

After retiring from ODI cricket, this can very well be captain Aaron Finch’s last dance in international cricket. Despite having a very substandard tournament the last time around, the 35-year-old managed to help Australia win their first world title in the shortest format of the game. His opening partner, however, had a tremendous season and will once again be Australia’s poster boy in the T20 World Cup. David Warner was also adjudged as the Player of the Tournament in 2021 and since the tournament will be played on his home turf, one can expect a similar kind of damage from the T20 specialist.

Just like the opening order, the entire team is more or less sorted but it’s the injuries that keep on tickling the Kangaroos from time to time. Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Starc were recently ruled out of the India tour following their injuries as Australia will hope for them to return back sooner than later to begin their preparation for the global tournament. Marsh at number three is a very important player from Australia’s point of view as he along with Stoinis and Maxwell provide the much-needed support that the bowlers need.

However, Steve Smith’s form can be a matter of concern in the Australian dressing room. Just like they have fiery options up front, their bowling line-up is also one of the best of the tournament. A fit Starc along with Jos Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in Australian conditions is going to be a nightmare for many batters and that is one of Australia’s strengths. Adam Zampa, the leg-spinner has also done well to feature in the playing XI.

Australia’s Probable Playing XI - Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.