HOW AUSTRALIA’S 15-MAN SQUAD SHAPE UP FOR THE WORLD CUP
AARON FINCH
Age: 28
ODIs: 41
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
ODI batting average: 37.10
The hard-hitting Victorian is taking part in his maiden World Cup campaign. Blasted a Twenty20 world-record 156 against England in 2013, but also capable of more measured match-winning knocks.
DAVID WARNER
Age: 28
ODIs: 54
Playing role: Left-handed batsman
ODI batting average: 32.73
Fiery opener who loves bludgeoning the ball and on-field stoushes. Capable of taking the game away from the opposition in a handful of overs, but yet to dominate one-day cricket in the same fashion he has Tests.
SHANE WATSON
Age: 33
ODIs: 180
Playing role: Allrounder, right-handed
ODI batting average: 40.57
ODI bowling average: 31.21
The 50-over format has been Watson’s most successful with the bat. Recently turned to meditation to conquer the sport’s mind games. Can the polarising allrounder find form and fitness?
MICHAEL CLARKE (capt)
Age: 33
ODIs: 238
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
ODI batting average: 44.86
Hasn’t played a lot of one-day cricket over the past two years, but is Australia’s most accomplished and experienced batsman. Chronic back and hamstring woes remain a major concern.
STEVE SMITH
Age: 25
ODIs: 50
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
ODI batting average: 35.84
Purple patch just keeps rolling on, no matter the format. One of the form batsmen in the world, who was crowned ODI Player of the Year, Test Player of the Year and Allan Border Medallist at Cricket Australia’s recent awards night.
GEORGE BAILEY
Age: 32
ODIs: 56
Playing role: Right-handed batsman
ODI batting average: 41.74
Vice-captain. Recent form is a concern. The Tasmanian hasn’t posted an ODI half-century since his 70 against South Africa on November 14.
GLENN MAXWELL
Age: 26
ODIs: 41
Playing role: Allrounder, right-handed
ODI batting average: 30.67
ODI bowling average: 38.03
Suffered a major form slump after his Test call-up in the UAE, but bounced back in the recent tri-series final with a knock of 95 and figures of 4-46. Likely to be the side’s main spin option for most matches.
MITCH MARSH
Age: 23
ODIs: 14
Playing role: Allrounder, right-handed
ODI batting average: 38.18
ODI bowling average: 48.33
A niggling hamstring strain hampered his preparation for the World Cup, but if fit the young gun should be part of Australia’s XI. Often shows composure beyond his years, dependable with both bat and ball.
BRAD HADDIN
Age: 37
ODIs: 118
Playing role: Wicketkeeper/right-handed batsman
ODI batting average: 31.20
Survived a challenge from Matthew Wade to keep his spot in the squad. Early indication is it was the right call, with Haddin twice helping Australia chase down tricky totals in the recent tri-series.
JAMES FAULKNER
Age: 24
ODIs: 38
Playing role: Allrounder, right-handed batsman and left-arm fast-medium
ODI batting average: 48.12
ODI bowling average: 32.36
Under a side injury cloud. His record of finishing off ODI chases with ice-cool nerves is starting to get ridiculous. Was Australia’s leading ODI wicket taker in 2014.
MITCHELL JOHNSON
Age: 33
ODIs: 145
Playing role: Left-arm fast
ODI bowling average: 25.50
Crowned ICC cricketer of the year in 2014 after firing Australia to Test series wins over England and South Africa. Recent one-day form has been just as impressive.
MITCHELL STARC
Age: 25
ODIs: 33
Playing role: Left-arm fast
ODI bowling average: 21.27
A proven performer with the new and old white ball. Took his game to another level when Johnson was recently sidelined, including a career-best haul of 6-43 against India at the MCG.
JOSH HAZLEWOOD
Age: 24
ODIs: 8
Playing role: Right-arm fast-medium
ODI bowling average: 22.41
Glenn McGrath comparisons are not misplaced, with Hazlewood’s greatest strength being his consistent line and length. Will be hard to leave out of the XI.
PAT CUMMINS
Age: 21
ODIs: 10
Playing role: Right-arm fast
ODI bowling average: 35.50
Suffered a series of serious injury setbacks since his memorable Test debut at age 18. However, he is now fully fit and firing after being nursed through the summer with the World Cup in mind.
XAVIER DOHERTY
Age: 32
ODIs: 59
Playing role: Slow left-arm orthodox
ODI bowling average: 39.34
The Tasmanian has been the nation’s first-choice ODI spinner for most of the past four years, despite selectors experimenting with Nathan Lyon in 2014. Won’t play every game, but will get a chance to shine on some pitches.
