Australia will play host to the ICC T20 World Cup for the first time in the mega event’s history. This competition was originally supposed to happen in 2020. However, the organizers postponed it to 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly though, Australia won the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and will now have a chance of defending the championship on their home turf. No team has been able to win two consecutive ICC T20 World Cup titles in the past, but the Aussies have a golden chance this year.
They are unlikely to make too many changes to their playing XI. Here’s a look at their predicted strongest playing XI.
Openers of Australia for ICC T20 World Cup – David Warner and Aaron Finch (c)
David Warner and Aaron Finch will likely open the innings for the Aussies. Warner won the Man of the Tournament in the previous edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, while Finch became the first Australian captain to win the mega event.
Middle Order – Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, and Matthew Wade (wk)
Mitchell Marsh has done a fantastic job for the Aussies at the number three position, while Steve Smith can play the number four batter’s role. Wicket-keeper Matthew Wade is likely to play lower down the order as a finisher.
All Rounders – Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis
The Aussie lineup will likely feature one pace-bowling all-rounder and one spin-bowling all-rounder. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are the top contenders for those two positions.
Bowlers of Australia for ICC T20 World Cup – Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, and Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins are likely to be the fast bowlers of the Australian cricket team. Adam Zampa did a phenomenal job for the team in T20 World Cup 2021, which is why he will probably retain his place in the playing XI.
