The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is less than a week away, and the squads of all the teams are already out. This is the time to talk about one of the most decorated teams in international cricket: Australia. They have already won two major ICC trophies in a row, winning the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup. They will be focusing on making it their third consecutive trophy in this upcoming T20 World Cup as well.

Though the last two tournaments have been great for Australia, the last T20 World Cup is one they will want to forget. Not only did they fail to win the trophy at home, but they also didn’t make the playoffs, getting eliminated on net run rate. They will be looking for their second T20 World Cup trophy in this edition.

Australia heads into the T20 World Cup with a well-rounded and formidable squad filled with depth and explosive talent. However, their spin attack and the form of some key players remain areas of concern. As they aim for their second T20 World Cup trophy, Australia will need to leverage their strengths and address their weaknesses effectively.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: SWOT analysis of South Africa team

With their squad already announced, it is time to look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for this team going into the tournament.

SWOT analysis of the Australian team for the T20 World Cup 2024

Strengths

Australia’s T20 World Cup squad is one of the most balanced and formidable teams heading into the tournament. They have the right amount of firepower in all departments—batting, bowling, and all-rounders. This balance ensures that the team can adapt to different match situations and conditions. Additionally, the squad boasts great backup options, which can be crucial when the primary choices face form slumps or injuries.

One of the standout features of this Australian team is the presence of explosive finishers. Players like Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs. Their power-hitting skills make them key players, especially during run chases. This trio can significantly influence the outcome of matches by adding quick runs towards the end of the innings.

Weaknesses

A potential Achilles’ heel for Australia could be their spin attack. Adam Zampa is the only spinner with a proven track record of taking wickets in T20 internationals. The other spin options, Ashton Agar and Glenn Maxwell, have been less effective in recent times. Agar has not played a T20I since 2022, and Maxwell is primarily a part-time bowler. A robust spin department could be a major area for improvement, particularly on spin-friendly pitches.

Another concern for Australia is the form of some of its key players. Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, despite their immense talent, have been in poor form in T20s lately. Maxwell, known for his explosive batting, has struggled to find consistency, while Green has also faced challenges in maintaining his form. This lean patch could pose a problem, especially since both players are expected to play pivotal roles in the tournament.

Opportunities

Mitchell Marsh has an excellent opportunity to prove his leadership skills in this World Cup. Despite facing some injury setbacks, Marsh has consistently shown his prowess as a player. As the team captain, he now has the chance to demonstrate his strategic insight and inspire his teammates. Leading Australia to T20 World Cup glory would be a significant feather in his cap and cement his legacy as a top-notch cricketer.

Nathan Ellis has had an impressive T20 career so far, excelling as a bowler with his variations, particularly in the death overs. This T20 World Cup will be his first major international tournament, providing him with a platform to showcase his skills on the big stage. His performance could be pivotal for Australia, especially in high-pressure situations where his bowling at the back end of the innings can make a difference.

Threats

While having multiple all-rounders is generally seen as an advantage, it can also lead to selection dilemmas. Australia has a plethora of talented all-rounders, making it challenging to pick the perfect playing XI. Balancing the squad to ensure that the best combination of players is on the field will be a significant challenge for team management. The risk of leaving out a match-winner or failing to find the right balance could impact their performance.

Australia Squad : Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. Travelling Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short