OK, so a few things have happened since I last looked over my WC squad; Mitchell Marsh emerged as an international player, Ben Dunk scored a double in the Domestic one day comp, spinners came and went, and Twatto and Pup both picked up injuries. I've also read some comments that suggest that Dave Warner and Aaron Finch might not necessarily be the answer at the top of the order.
On Twatto, I do believe Australia will need him at his best if we are to win this. His record opening in ODI's is actually pretty good, and just maybe that's where he'll play. His death bowling is generally pretty good, but he's no Steve Waugh. With the emergence of Marsh, and James Faulkner in the ranks, there's quite a lot of pressure on Twatto to deliver, if only he could keep his gob shut and stop rabbiting on about how he wants to score more runs, keep bowling, and blah, blah, blah.
On Mitchell Marsh, you don't belt Dale Steyn for three sixes in one over without having something going for you. There's been a lot of hype in the Oz media (which sensationalizes everything because they have nothing better to do) since then, which worries me due to the fear that it might go to his head and ruin him. The kid definitely has a big future, but I still think he needs that crackerjack summer in order to make his mark.
On Warner and Finch, I do think that potentially they are the most explosive opening combination we've had since Hayden and Gilchrist. Their T20 credentials speak for themselves. In ODI's however, I'm a bit worried about Finch. who's had too many misses. He needs a big summer because without it, I can see him missing out. Warner is too good a player to leave out. Him and Twatto at the top just may be the answer. Phil Hughes is also a chance. The selectors have a huge call to make there.
On Ben Dunk, his short form form
is too hard to ignore. With Brad Haddin on his last legs, Dunk might be a left field selection that could turn the WC on its head. Stranger things have been known to happen. The only other left field selection that might happen is the return to the squad for Cameron White.
On Michael Clarke, this WC will be his last, so I suspect that he'll retire from ODI cricket at the conclusion of this tournament. George Bailey might possibly also retire from the format, although maybe not. If he does, Steve Smith will be the new ODI skipper. Twatto will hang on, because he think he can play forever, irrespective of how many injuries he sustains along the way.
On the make-up of the bowling attack, I think we'll see 2 seamers, two all-rounders and a spinner. MJ will be the lefty. I do think that NCN will be the righty. Twatto and James Faulkner will be the all-rounders, although if Twatto gets injured, then definitely Mitchell Marsh. I still think Nathan Lyon will be the spinner, although anything could happen there.
The next few months are going to be very interesting.
Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 2:45 am
