Team composition in the World Cup 2015 and how it has changed leading into World Cup 2019

1. Australia

Australia have been the most underperforming team in the recent past and the defending champions could suffer one of their worst World Cups in history. The five-time champions have lost 16 of their last 18 ODIs with their batting contributing to the majority of their deposition. They have also dropped to sixth in the ICC rankings.

Part of their recent dismal batting performances could be attributed to the absence of David Warner and Steve Smith, however, it remains to be seen how much of their batting woes would be resolved when the duo returns. Their batting order which had appeared so consolidating in the middle overs during the last World Cup has now witnessed them losing wickets in clusters, mainly due to their inability to counter spin.

Their batsmen have been very one-dimensional, trying to milk every ball into a boundary. The rash shots being played in the middle overs have cost them the matches hugely. Their bowling too looks leaky to be honest. Mitchell Starc’s form has been way below compared to four years ago along with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood being too fragile with their fitness.

Ashton Agar or Adam Zampa’s position as the lone spinner also hangs by balance. With so many uncertainties looming, the defending champions could might as well endure their worst World Cup campaign. Though one can never rule out the Aussies in the World events.

Probable squad for the World Cup:- David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, George Bailey, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey(wk), Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.