World Cup 2023 | SWOT Analysis Of Australia

image-ln4o9r04Australia team in action [AP]

It's time for cricket fans to celebrate ODIs, as the ICC World Cup 2023 is knocking at our doors. Ten top-tier teams are all set to clash against each other on Indian soil to prove themselves the mightiest and crowned champions of world cricket. 

Whenever we analyse and name our favourites to win the World Cup, one team that always makes everyone's list is Australia. Such has been the Aussies' dominance in the World Cups that fans and experts prefer not to underestimate them at any cost. 

The Aussies already have five World Cups in their illustrious trophy cabinet, thanks to their dominance in the late 90s and early 2000s. They also bid Michael Clarke and Shane Watson a fitting farewell by winning the 2015 edition at home. However, Aaron Finch could lead them only to the Semis in 2019, where they suffered a crushing defeat to arch-rivals England. 

So cometh another World Cup; the mighty Aussies have set their sight on their sixth title in the format. Will they succeed in their mission? Let's analyse and find out. 


Australia Squad For 2023 World Cup

Pat Cummins (C), Steve Smith (VC), Alex Carey (WK), Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.


Strengths Of Australia For 2023 World Cup

Plethora of multi-dimensional players

The Australian side is studded with several players who are experts across three departments of the game. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green have the ability to win matches on their own with both bat and ball. 

More importantly, three of these all-rounders will undoubtedly feature in Australia's playing XI, providing them the balance every side dreams of having in limited-overs cricket. 


Deep and dynamic batting lineup without compromising bowling quality

Someone like Pat Cummins, who has hammered Jasprit Bumrah for several sixes in the IPL, bats at number eight in the Australian team. Furthermore, ace speedster Mitchell Starc can also hang around and contribute some handy runs as an able lower-order batter. 

So, besides having seven dynamic batters, the five-time champions are blessed with bowlers who can bat pretty well. This is undoubtedly one of their biggest strengths, which might even help them win a few crucial games in the World Cup. 


Formidable new-ball attack

Australia's new-ball bowling pair, comprising Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, is lethal and can certainly wreak havoc in the opposition camp. Starc, an absolute legend in ODIs, brings scorching pace, swing and left-arm angle to the table. Meanwhile, Hazlewood's nagging accuracy and subtle seam movement make him a tricky customer, even for the best in business. 

In Powerplay in ODIs since 2020
 Mitchell Starc
Josh Hazlewood
Wickets
2519
Average
17.8
24.5
Strike Rate
21.838.8
Economy Rate
4.883.78


Lead spinner’s record in India

Arguably the finest spinner in modern-day white-ball cricket, Adam Zampa has been Australia's go-to man in the middle overs in ODIs. Hailed for his wily variations, Zampa has recorded impressive numbers on Indian soil and is, therefore, one of the strongest suits of the Australian contingent. 

Adam Zampa in India
Matches16
Wickets
27
Average30.78
Strike Rate32.22


Weaknesses Of Australia For 2023 World Cup

Death bowling

The one area the Aussies would like to work on before the all-important World Cup is their death bowling. Undoubtedly, Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins are world-class seamers, but sometimes, the latter two seem to run out of options while bowling in the slog overs. While Starc is pretty confident about his ability to nail yorkers, Hazlewood and Cummins primarily rely on cutters, which might backfire on flatter Indian decks. 


Vulnerable top-order vs moving ball

The Australian top-order, studded with David Warner, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, looks rock-solid on paper. While this trio can be a nightmare for the opposition on flat surfaces, they could find it tough to get going when the ball swings or seams a bit off the pitch. So, the Australian top-order is dynamic but vulnerable against the moving ball.


Opportunities For Australia in 2023 World Cup

To rebuild legacy in the subcontinent

The golden era of Australian cricket began with a triumphant World Cup campaign in India under the astute leadership of the legendary Allan Border back in 1987. However, the subcontinent hasn't been kind to the men from Down Under since then, as they were crushed by a spirited Lankan side in the 1996 World Cup final before making a quarterfinal exit fifteen years later. 

Barring a Champions Trophy title in 2006, Australia have had little to celebrate whenever they have toured India in the recent past. So, this tournament gives Pat Cummins and Co. a golden opportunity to replicate what Border and his troops achieved on Indian shores to set the foundation of unarguably the greatest era the game has ever witnessed. 


Threats For Australia in 2023 World Cup

Recent form of Steve Smith

Regarded as one of the finest batters in modern-day cricket, Steve Smith has been a prolific performer for Australia across formats. While the Aussies aim at their sixth World Cup title, the role of Smith will certainly be pivotal for them in the tournament. However, the talismanic batter is suffering from poor form in 2023, managing only 137 runs in five ODI innings at an average of 27.40.


Solitary frontline spinner

Initially, Australia had their spin department sorted, with Glenn Maxwell's off-spin complimenting Adam Zampa's leg-spin and Ashton Agar's left-arm off-spin. However, an unfortunate injury to Agar forced them to modify their World Cup squad days before the event, replacing the player with Marnus Labuschagne. 

While Labuschagne's recent batting form boosts Australia's middle order, Agar's absence has left them with a solitary frontline spinner in Zampa for the marquee event. So, if the spinner gets injured, it could invite serious trouble for Pat Cummins and Co. 


Team Report Card - Australia

Attribute
Balance Rating
Top-Order9/10
Middle-Order8/10
Lower-Order8/10
Pace Bowling9/10
Spin Bowling8.5/10
Team Rating8.5/10


Prediction for Australia For World Cup 2023

As they have outright match-winners throughout the lineup, Australia will likely win seven to eight group-stage games and enter the semis. They certainly have the firepower to clinch the World Cup, but it will depend on their performance in the knockouts.