Cricket fans all over the world have marked their calendars with the ICC <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20-world-cup-2021-west-indies-strongest-predicted-playing-xi-for-the-tournament/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">T20 World Cup</a> 2021 being just a couple of months away. The global tournament will take place in UAE and Oman this year in October-November. With T20 becoming a fan-favourite format in recent years, several teams have their set of T20 specialists. Hence, followers of the game must gear up to witness some exciting action over the 22 yards.

Australia are one of the teams to watch out for in the showpiece event.  The Aussies have as many as five ODI World Cup titles alongside a couple of Champions Trophies. However, the T20 World Cup is still elusive for them. Their best campaign in the tournament came in 2010 where they advanced to the finals but lost the title match to arch-rivals England.

Hence, Australia would be raring to end their drought this year. It won’t be much wrong to say that the Aussie side isn’t as strong as it was a decade ago. However, the team still has many potent T20 stars, who can shine in the Arab Nations.

Meanwhile, here is Australia’s predicted playing XI for T20 World Cup 2021

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Aaron-Finch.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543585" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Aaron-Finch.jpg" alt="Aaron Finch" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543585" class="wp-caption-text">Aaron Finch. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The dashing opener is one of the most dangerous T20 openers going around and his record in the format speaks volumes of his abilities. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/aaron-finch-likely-to-undergo-knee-surgery-racing-against-time-to-get-fit-before-t20-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finch </a>likes to go after the bowlers from the outset and his obsession with big knocks makes him even more lethal. In fact, the 34-year-old is the only player to have two scores in excess of 150 in T20 internationals.

The highest T20I score, 172, also belongs to Finch. These facts exhibit Finch’s caliber and opposition teams must beware of the fact. Besides shining with the bat, Finch has also done a fine job in the leadership department. Having led Australia to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, the swashbuckler would like to go a couple of steps further this time around.

Meanwhile, Finch hasn’t been at the top of his A-game lately. His continuous failures would have worried the team management as well. However, dropping the national team’s captain ahead of a showpiece tournament won’t be wise. Hence, selectors and board members must back Finch and the opener would be determined to deliver.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/David-Warner.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543582" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Warner.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543582" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Warner will be Finch’s partner-in-crime in the opening slot. The southpaw has a ton of experience in this format and his numbers aren’t ordinary by any standards. Like Finch, Warner also likes to attack from the outset, and delivering consistently isn’t a problem for him either. Moreover, the left-handed batter featured in the last five editions of the T20 World Cup.

Hence, he’s well aware of the drill of the competition. Not to forget, Warner isn’t alien with the spin-friendly conditions of United Arab Emirates. The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/">IPL</a>) took place in the Arab Nation and Warner enjoyed a sensational run. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper scored 548 runs in 16 outings, third-most for anyone in the season.

Meanwhile, Warner will have a point to prove in the competition as his recent performances haven’t been exceptional. He couldn’t do much in the now-postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) and even got sacked as captain midway in the tournament. However, Warner is a proven match-winner of this format, and opposition teams can’t afford to take him lightly.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Steve-Smith.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543575" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Steve-Smith.jpg" alt="Steve Smith" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543575" class="wp-caption-text">Steve Smith. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Many questions have been raised over <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/so-many-emotions-came-out-in-this-moment-steve-smith-recalls-his-favourite-test-century/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steve Smith</a>’s prowess as a T20 batsman in the last few months. This is majorly because the former Aussie skipper hasn’t done much in the format but the team management must persist with him if he’s fit and available. Smith can anchor the innings in the middle overs alongside maintain a healthy strike rate.

Moreover, the Aussie batsman has a wide range of shots which allows him to send the ball anywhere on the ground. If that’s not enough, Smith can also contribute with his occasional leg-spin bowling and his fielding skills don’t require any mentioning. These factors must be enough for the team management to name Smith in the final 11.

Notably, the right-handed batsman led Australia in the last edition of the tournament in 2016. He played a couple of brilliant knocks in the competition and won’t mind replicating his heroics again. However, Smith’s participation would be subjected to his fitness. It remains to see been whether he recovers from his elbow injury ahead of the T20 World Cup.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Mitchell-Marsh.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543578" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mitchell-Marsh.jpg" alt="Mitchell Marsh" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543578" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Marsh. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh should occupy the number four slot in this line-up, and not many can raise their eyebrows over this. After all, the dasher has been in top-notch form lately. He was one of the few bright spots in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-teams/australia/">Australia’s</a> dismal tour of the West Indies in July this year. Despite not getting much support from other batters, Marsh scored runs consistently.

In fact, the dasher crossed the fifty-run mark in three of the five games. If that’s not enough, the right-arm pacer delivered some fine spells and took crucial wickets as well. These performances shouldn’t be ignored by the Australian selectors at any cost and Marsh must feature in the global tournament.

However, the star all-rounder hasn’t been regular in Australia’s white-ball team in recent years. Hence, he must put up consistent performances to remain in the playing XI. Otherwise, Australia doesn’t have any shortage of potent options.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543581" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543581" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

One of the hottest properties in T20 cricket currently, Glenn Maxwell is next in the line-up. The dasher is a great asset in this format owing to his all-round abilities. He can hit the ball a long way and many potent bowlers have become victims of his carnage. Regardless of the situation or pitch conditions, Maxwell backs himself to clear the ropes.

While doing so, he also tends to throw his wicket away at times. However, when Maxwell clicks, the opposition doesn’t have many chances of winning. Moreover, his off-spins will be more than handy in the slow and dry tracks of UAE. Maxwell can also create magic while fielding near the boundary ropes.

Hence, Maxwell would be critical of Australia’s success in the T20 World Cup. Notably, Maxwell doesn’t have fine memories of playing in UAE. In IPL 2020, he scored mere 108 runs in 13 games at a below-par strike rate of 101.88. However, the 32-year-old put up a much better show in IPL 2021 and the Aussie team management would have some expectations from him.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Matthew-Wade.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543579" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Matthew-Wade.jpg" alt="Matthew Wade" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543579" class="wp-caption-text">Matthew Wade. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The wicket-keeper’s slot would be occupied by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ban-vs-aus-matthew-wade-to-lead-australia-in-five-match-t20i-series/">Matthew Wade</a>. It has been nearly a decade since the southpaw is around the national team. However, inconsistent performances never allowed him to cement his place in the side. Moreover, the emergence of Alex Carey made Wade’s job even more difficult.

Although Carey has been magnificent in the ODI format, there’s not much to talk about his T20I numbers. Owing to the same, the selectors and the team management have been backing Wade to serve behind the stumps in the showpiece event. Moreover, the left-handed batsman was named Australia’s captain for the five-match T20I series against Bangladesh in Aaron Finch’s absence.

This clearly shows Wade is in Australia&#8217;s plans and the southpaw must rise up to the expectations. Wade has indeed played some fine knocks in T20 internationals but delivering consistently has been a concern for him. Nevertheless, he has a great chance to stamp his authority by shining in the T20 World Cup.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Marcus-Stoinis.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543580" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Marcus-Stoinis.jpg" alt="Marcus Stoinis" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543580" class="wp-caption-text">Marcus Stoinis. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The dashing all-rounder must also be a part of Australia’s T20 World Cup plans. Marcus Stoinis can contribute in all three departments which provides more balance to this side. Stoinis has been one of the most prolific run-scorers in the last few Big Bash League (BBL) seasons and his happy knack of taking wickets makes him even more effective.

His outings in the last couple of IPL seasons haven’t been ordinary either. Batting in the lower order for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/delhi-capitals-schedule-in-ipl-2021-full-schedule-timings-dates-venues-details/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delhi Capitals</a>, Stoinis has played several match-winning cameos. He also can stay the crease for long in case there’s a top-order collapse.  Not to forget, the right-arm pacer also has many variations in his arsenal which can come in handy in the T20 World Cup.

Hence, the selectors need a very strong reason to keep Stoinis out. Notably, the remaining matches of IPL 2021 will also take place in UAE, days before the T20 World Cup. An impressive show in the tournament would definitely seal Stoinis’ place in the side.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Ashton-Agar.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543583" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ashton-Agar.jpg" alt="Ashton Agar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543583" class="wp-caption-text">Ashton Agar. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar is next in the line-up. Agar has been a vital cog of Australia’s T20I team for a while and his record is impressive as well. The spinner tends to keep the scoring rate down in the middle overs and his wicket-taking ability is the cherry on the cake.

Occupying the eighth place in the ICC T20I rankings for bowlers, Agar has as many as two five-wicket hauls in the format. With the tournament taking place in UAE and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/bcci-officials-to-visit-oman-and-dubai-for-t20-world-cup-preparations-on-friday/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oman</a>, the pitches would be tailor-made for Agar and the spinner would be licking his lips to go out in the middle.

Hence, all opposition teams must come up with a solid strategy to tackle Agar. Not to forget, the southpaw is also a handy batter lower down the order. This means his presence in the playing XI would also provide depth to the batting line-up.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Pat-Cummins.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543576" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Pat-Cummins.jpg" alt="Pat Cummins" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543576" class="wp-caption-text">Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

One of the finest fast bowlers going around, Cummins would be raring to shatter timbers in the T20 World Cup. The right-arm pacer can set the speed gun on fire, and nailing bouncers and yorkers isn’t beyond his reach either. Cummins even has some variations in his arsenal to make batters’ job even more challenging.

Although Pat Cummins is mostly known for his blitzes in the longest format, his record in white-ball cricket is impressive as well. In 30 T20Is so far, Cummins has scalped 37 wickets that too at an economy rate of below seven. These numbers speak volumes of Cummins’ skills and the pacer won’t mind enhancing his tally even further.

His batting skills are also worth mentioning. Although he’s yet to play a stellar knock in T20 Internationals, the dasher has showcased his big-hitting prowess in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kolkata-knight-riders-schedule-in-ipl-2021-full-schedule-timings-dates-venues-details/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kolkata Knight Rider</a>s colours. He, in fact, has two half-centuries in IPL. Hence, opposition teams can’t afford to put their guards down even if Australia lose seven wickets.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Mitchell-Starc.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543577" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mitchell-Starc.jpg" alt="Mitchell Starc" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543577" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Starc. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-is-best-white-ball-bowler-in-the-world-justin-langer-lavishes-praises-on-mitchell-starc/">Starc</a> was at his brilliant best in the West Indies tour and he would like to shine in UAE as well. The left-arm speedster made the white-ball talk and took wickets for fun. From Nicholas Pooran to Andre Russell, all the Caribbean batters struggled against Starc’s thunderbolts as Australia walked away with a 2-1 triumph in the ODI series.

Australia head coach Justin Langer was might pleased with Starc’s efforts as he hailed the left-arm pacer as the ‘best white-ball bowler in the world.’ Langer’s statement clearly showcases that the team management has high hopes from Starc and the paceman would be determined to rise up to the expectations.

Although pitches in the sub-continent aren’t known to favour fast bowlers much, a yorker at 150 kmph is lethal at any track. Hence, Starc has some role to play in the T20 World Cup, and it would be interesting to see how many timbers get uprooted by his vicious deliveries.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/08/Adam-Zampa.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543584" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Adam-Zampa.jpg" alt="Adam Zampa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-543584" class="wp-caption-text">Adam Zampa. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Having a leg-spinner has almost become an unofficial norm to thrive in T20s. In Australia’s line-up, the crucial spot is occupied by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/reports-rcb-likely-to-rope-in-wanindu-hasaranga-as-replacement-for-adam-zampa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adam Zampa</a>. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Zampa isn’t a massive turner of the ball. However, this doesn’t restrict him from tormenting opposition bowlers. Zampa’s variation and change of pace allow him to keep batters on their heels.

Hence, taking Zampa to cleaners isn’t an easy job.  The leg-spinner can choke the scoring rate at any stage of the game and his ability to take wickets in the middle overs makes him a captain’s delight. Zampa has so far scalped 47 wickets in 46 games with his economy rate being just a tad over seven.

Meanwhile, Zampa will also be assisted by left-arm spinner Aston Agar. The duo has formed a good pair in the recent past and the sub-continental tracks would make them even more lethal. Notably, Zampa has played T20 cricket in UAE before and his experience would come in handy.

Can Australia clinch the elusive title this year?

T20 World Cup 2021: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI for the tournament

Australia have five ODI World Cup titles alongside a couple of Champions Trophies. However, the T20 World Cup is still elusive for them.

T20 World Cup 2021: Australia's strongest predicted playing XI for the tournament

Can Australia clinch the elusive title this year?

10. Mitchell Starc