After succumbing to a rare failure against Pakistan in the recently concluded ODI series,  Australia fought back brilliantly to achieve an unassailable 3-0 clean sweep in the T20I series. With the series decided firmly in favor of the hosts, Australia did not leave any stone unturned coming into the third T20I at Hobart where a spirited effort bowling effort from the Australian quicks left the visitors gasping for breath.

Despite some gutsy contributions from Babar and Haseebullah, Rizwan’s decision to bat first flopped big-time as Pakistan were bundled out cheaply for 117 inside 18.1 overs.

Pakistan’s vulnerable batting lineup exposed at the Bellerive Oval

The young pace attack of Australia accounted for the bulk of the damage. Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, and Aaron Hardie ran riot in Hobart sharing seven wickets. Whereas only two wickets fell to spin, Zampa claiming all two of them. 

After losing Sahibzada Farhan early in the innings, Babar and Haseebullah laid a solid foundation for Pakistan and pushed the score to 61-1 by the end of the seventh over. But once the partnership was ended by Zampa, the Pakistan batting lineup capitulated almost instantly. 

It took no time for Hardie to run through the middle order while Ellis, Bartlett, and Johnson saved their best for the end to curtail the Pakistan innings well inside the allotted 20 overs. Following the fall of the second wicket, Pakistan lost their way completely as the visitors could only add another 56 runs at the expense of eight wickets.

Aaron Hardie registers third-best T20I bowling figures against PAK

Hardie’s impressive outing with the ball was instrumental in triggering such a collapse for Pakistan. The young aspiring all-rounder claimed three prize wickets of Usman, Agha, and Abbas while going for only 21 runs in his allotted four overs. Although his spell saw a couple of wides and a no-ball, Hardie only managed to concede two fours in his entire quota. 

His figures of 3-21 are now the third-best figures registered by any Australian bowler against Pakistan in T20I cricket. The youngster is now only behind Starc and Zampa who currently hold the best figures of 3-11 and 2-11 respectively.  

It was all too easy for Australia in the second innings as Stoinis' belligerent cameo of an unbeaten 61 (27) powered Australia to a crushing 7-wicket win in the third T20I helping them chase down the target inside 12 overs. 

See also: Did the Brisbane T20I involve any mistake or cheating?

Hosts Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Pakistan after winning the rain-curtailed Brisbane T20I on Thursday (November 14). However, there was a controversy, and some cricket fans were confused and surprised by the incident. 

The series-opener Brisbane T20I was shrunk to a 7-over contest. Australia scored 93/4, thanks to the powerful batting from Glenn Maxwell (43 off 19 balls) and Marcus Stoinis (21 not out off 7 balls). 

In reply, Pakistan scored 64/9 in seven overs, where Xavier Bartlett (3/13) and Nathan Ellis (3/9) took three wickets each, while Adam Zampa (2/11) and Spencer Johnson (1/29) shared the other three wickets.

The Controversy

In the first innings, Pakistan used four bowlers. After Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf completed their two-over quotas, Naseem Shah delivered the final over of the innings, which was his second over of the match. As Abbas Afridi bowled one over (2/9), Pakistan used four bowlers in the game.

Some cricket fans raised questions in that innings as Pakistan didn’t use the five bowlers in the innings. Even before the toss, the broadcasters also clarified that two bowlers can deliver a maximum of two overs each, and three other bowlers can deliver one over each. 

It will be a seven-over game 2 over powerplay, 2 bowlers can bowl two overs and three can bowl one#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/6LOveDiSQD

— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) November 14, 2024

Play will start at 3:20 PM (Pakistan Time), with 7 overs per side.

2 bowlers can bowl 2 overs each, and the other 3 bowlers will bowl an over each.#AUSvPAK | #PAKvsAUS | #PakistanCricket | #Cricket pic.twitter.com/jjffkh5pxt

— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) November 14, 2024

In fact, if we look at the second innings of the match, Australia also used the same tactics as Johnson, Bartlett, and Ellis bowled two overs each before Zampa delivered the last over. 

Usually, in limited-over matches, a team must use five bowlers (excluding a team’s innings was interrupted and not possible to restart their innings). In the shortened limited-over matches, the total overs have been divided between five bowlers, and some bowlers can deliver one additional over to make up the balance in the case of total overs not being divisible by five.

Special rule

However, T20I cricket has a special rule to allow each team to complete the innings with less than five bowlers in special cases.  

The ICC playing condition 13.9.4 claims, “for innings of rescheduled length of between 5 and 9 overs, no bowler may bowl more than two overs.” In this special condition, there is no requirement to use at least five bowlers if the innings are rescheduled between 5 and 9 overs.

So, the umpires and both the teams didn’t make any mistakes. However, the broadcasters made mistakes that brought more confusion to the cricket fans. 

In fact, it wasn't the first time we experienced it. The 2017 Thiruvananthapuram T20I between India and New Zealand also experienced a similar incident, where the Blackcaps used four bowlers, and each bowled two overs in the 8-over innings. 

Pakistan created a new history by winning the three-match ODI series against the hosts Australia after winning the last game of the series by eight wickets. 

Pakistan pacers dominated in the entire ODI series. In the third or series-decider ODI match at Perth, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan chose to field first after winning the toss. Australia saw five changes in the playing XI, and Josh Inglis made his captaincy debut in international cricket. All the players, excluding only Inglis, related to the first Test match against India have been rested for the ODI series decider. 

SEE ALSO: Australian squad announced for Perth Test with two potential Test debutants

After bowling out Australia for only 140 runs, Pakistan chased the target in 26.5 overs after losing only two wickets. With this victory, Pakistan won the ODI series by 2-1. 

Among the top seven Australian batters, only the opener Matthew Short (22) and Aaron Hardie (12) reached the double-digit scores in the innings. 

Cooper Connolly was retired hurt

Cooper Connolly was retired hurt after scoring seven runs. On the second ball of the 17th over in the first innings, Connolly received a blow on his left hand from Mohammad Hasnain’s delivery. He went for a pull, but the ball hit his glove. He faced the next delivery before realising his injury. 

The 21-year-old cricketer Connolly has been ruled out from the upcoming home T20I series against Pakistan due to a fractured left hand. The scan report found a fracture to the fourth metacarpal of his left hand. His replacement for the upcoming T20I series will be announced soon. 

Coming back to the game, Australia were struggling at 88/6. Sean Abbott (30), Adam Zampa (13), and Spencer Johnson (12) added some runs to take the scoreboard close to 150 runs. 

All Pakistan pacers took wickets

Pakistan bowlers conceded 22 extras, including 16 wides, but those didn’t affect the visitors. While Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/32) and Naseem Shah (3/54) bagged three wickets each, Mohammad Hasnain (1/24) and Harsi Rauf (2/24) also picked up wickets. 

Pakistan batters chased comfortably

In reply, all the top Pakistan batters provided valuable contributions to chase the target comfortably. Openers Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) had an 84-run partnership for the first wicket, while Babar Azam (28*) and Mohammad Rizwan (30*) easily finished the game after both openers were dismissed in the same over. 

Among the Aussie bowlers, only Lance Morris (2/24) managed to pick up wickets. 

While Harris Rauf won the Player of the Match award, he also won the Players of the Series award after finishing the series as the leading wicket-taker (10 wickets).  

Pakistan created history as the first Asian team

It was Pakistan’s second ODI bilateral series victory in Australia. Previously, they recorded it in the 2002 tour when they won the three-match ODI series by 2-1. 

Pakistan became the first Asian team to win an ODI bilateral series more than once in Australia. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan also became the second visiting team in Australia to record twice winning an ODI bilateral series with more than one match. South Africa is the other team in this record as they won the 2009 and 2018 ODI series in Australia tours. 

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the 13-member Australian men’s national cricket team for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The squad has been set up with two potential Test debutants. 

India are set to tour Australia for a five-match Test series. Perth Stadium will host the Test series opener, starting on November 22. Australia have lost their last four Test series against India, including twice at home.  

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy is crucial for both teams to secure their place for the ongoing ICC World Test Championship final. While Australia are the defending champions, India were runners-up in the first two editions. 

SEE ALSO: James Anderson hopeful of IPL opportunity

Scott Boland is the fourth pacer

Pat Cummins is set to captain the Australian team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are the other key pacers, along with Scott Boland, who played his last Test during the 2023 Leeds Test. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon is also set to play a key role against India. 

Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis are waiting for Test debuts

Uncapped Nathan McSweeney is set to make his Test debut as the 25-year-old right-handed batter will be the opening partner of the experienced Usman Khawaja. While there are no surprise names in the batting line-up, white-ball experienced Josh Inglis has been named in the 13-member squad, and he is waiting for his Test debut. 

McSweeney has scored 291 runs in two matches of the ongoing Sheffield Sheild season, where he has hit one century and two half-centuries. 

Recently, McSweeney played for the first time as an opener in his first-class career during Australia A facing India A in the second unofficial Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground. While he led both the unofficial Tests of the series, he scored 14 and 25 as an opener on the tricky pitch at the MCG. In the first unofficial Test, he scored 39 and 88 not out. 

Australian 13-member Test squad against India for the Perth Test

Pat Cummins (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the 13-member men’s T20I squad for the home T20I series against Pakistan. However, there is a special catch in the squad announcement.

After the completion of the three-match home ODI series against Pakistan, which will run between November 4 and 10, Australia will also host a three-match T20I series against Pakistan. 

All the Test players have been rested for the home T20I series against Pakistan, as the five-match home Test series against India will begin on November 22. It means that Pat Cummins along with recent T20I captains Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head are not included in the T20I squad. 

Who will lead Australia T20I team?

In the 13-member T20I squad, the CA hasn’t announced the captain’s name yet. It will be announced closer to the start of the T20I series.

In the squad, there are some significant names with BBL captaincies. Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Matthew Short, and Aaron Hardie all have BBL captaincy experiences. Meanwhile, Perth Scorchers’ vice-captain Josh Inglis is also popular for his strong tactics.

SEE ALSO: Pakistan's new white-ball captain named for Australia and Zimbabwe tour

Injured players returning

Talking about the T20I returnees, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson have been named in the T20I squad. While Johnson has returned to domestic cricket after recovering from his injury, Bartlett and Ellis are still in the recovery process from the side strain and hamstring injuries, respectively. Both Bartlett and Ellis are expected to fit in before the beginning of the T20I series.

The three-match T20I series against Pakistan will begin on November 14 at Brisbane. Sydney and Hobert will host the other two T20Is on November 16 and 18, respectively. 

Matthew Wade can join the coaching staff

Australia will have a different coaching staff for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. Assistant coach Andre Borovec will play the head coach role in the T20I series, while Brad Hodge will be the assistant coach. Matthew Wade, who also led the Australian T20I side last February and is still officially active in international cricket, is likely to join the coaching team for the T20I series. 

Head coach Andrew McDonald, batting coach Michael Di Venuto, and bowling coach Daniel Vettori will be on a short break during this T20I series. They will join the team before the opening Test against India in Perth. 

Australian T20I squad against Pakistan

Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Although the hosts England had a great start in the five-match ODI series opener against Australia at Nottingham, Australian spinners controlled the English batters and restricted them to a modest first innings total. 

After England chose to bat first, they managed to score 315 runs in 49.4 overs. English opener Ben Duckett scored 95 off 91 balls with the help of 11 fours, while the no.3 batter Will Jacks scored 62 off 56 balls. Also, captain Harry Brook (39) and debutant Jacob Bethell (35) scored important 30s. 

Duckett and Jacks had a 120-run partnership for the second wicket after the first wicket partnership was broken at 48 runs. Later, Duckett and the skipper Brook had a 45-run partnership for the third wicket. However, since then, Aussie spinners took regular wickets to deny the hosts a huge total.

SEE ALSO: Ravichandran Ashwin reaches new height with Chennai Test century

Australian spinners took nine wickets

Leg-spinners Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne took three wickets each in that innings. While Zampa finished with the bowling figures of 10-1-49-3, Labuschagne recorded his best List A bowling figures with 6-0-39-3. 

Labuschagne recorded caught and bowled twice to take the important wickets of Duckett and captain Brook before Jofra Archer (4) became his third victim. 

On the other hand, Zampa dismissed Jacks to break the century partnership for the second wicket and later picked up the wickets of Liam Livingstone (13) and Brydon Carse (2).

Also, the off-spinner Travis Head (2/34) got two wickets by picking up the last two wickets, debutant Jacob Bethell and Adil Rashid (0), in back-to-back deliveries. 

Also, another off-spinner Matthew Short completed his 10-over quota and had the bowling figures of 10-0-68-1. He took the wicket of Jamie Smith (23). 

While Aussie spinners took nine wickets in that innings, the left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis got the other one wicket by dismissing the opener Phil Salt for 17 runs. 

Most wickets by Australian spinners in an ODI match

It was the first time in ODI history that Australian spinners took nine wickets in an ODI match. The previous record was picking up eight wickets by the Aussie spinners against Pakistan during the 2022 Lahore ODI.  

Most wickets by spinners in an ODI innings in England

Meanwhile, it was also the first time in ODI history that spinners took nine wickets in an ODI innings in England. The previous record was eight wickets, which happened twice. During the 2000 The Oval ODI against England, Zimbabwe spinners collected eight wickets. Later in the 2004 Birmingham ODI against Kenya in the ICC Champions Trophy 2004, Pakistan spinners recorded eight wickets.

Equal record for most wickets by the right-arm spinners in an ODI innings

While all the Aussie wicket-taking spinners in the latest Nottingham ODI were the right-arm spinners, it equalled the record for most wickets by the right-arm spinners in an ODI innings. It was the sixth time the right-arm spinners took nine wickets in an ODI innings.  

Australia claimed a commanding 28-run victory over England in the first T20I, securing a 1-0 lead in the series. After being sent in to bat, Australia stormed to 86 runs in the powerplay, with Travis Head blasting a quickfire 59 off 23 balls. However, after Head's dismissal on the final ball of the powerplay, England’s spinners pulled things back. Despite Australia’s strong start, they collapsed from 118/2 to 179 all out, losing eight wickets for 71 runs. Liam Livingstone's 3/22 played a key role in restricting Australia from reaching a bigger total.

England’s chase began on a shaky note, losing three wickets for 46 runs in the powerplay. Australian bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, kept the pressure on, making it difficult for England to build momentum. A crucial 54-run partnership between Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran offered hope, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the target. Australia’s disciplined bowling attack ensured England were bowled out well short, giving the visitors a crucial win to start the series.

See Also: Tammy Beaumont Shines with a Stellar 150-Run Knock in England's Dominant Display

A Breakdown of Travis Head’s Match-Winning Knock Against England

Travis Head’s blistering knock of 59 off just 23 deliveries set the tone for Australia’s aggressive start in the 1st T20I against England on September 11, 2024. His dominant display during the powerplay propelled Australia to 86 runs, leaving England's bowlers struggling to find their rhythm. Head’s innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he capitalized on anything that was slightly off target, dispatching deliveries to all parts of the ground with ease.

As shown in the pitch map analysis, Head targeted deliveries primarily in the "good" and "back of a length" zones, where he consistently found boundaries. The red markers, indicating boundaries, are scattered heavily in these areas, demonstrating his strength in punishing anything pitched slightly short. England’s bowlers tried mixing their lengths, but Head was quick to react, smashing both good-length deliveries and back-of-a-length balls to the fence. His quick hands and precise footwork enabled him to score at a strike rate of 256.52, effectively taking the game away from England in the first six overs.

The attempt to bowl fuller or aim for yorkers met with some success, as indicated by the grey dots on the pitch map representing dot balls or singles. However, the England bowlers couldn’t maintain consistency in these areas, and when they missed their mark, Head was relentless. Full deliveries that strayed even slightly from their intended length were driven powerfully, while back-of-a-length deliveries were pulled with authority. The red dots on the good and back-of-a-length zones emphasize how Head took complete control over the bowlers.

England’s struggles to contain Head's explosive start were compounded by their inability to execute a tight line and length, as their seamers were taken to the cleaners. Despite some good deliveries scattered in between, Head's attacking intent made it difficult for England to build pressure. His flurry of boundaries, particularly through the leg side, left England searching for answers, as he dismantled their new-ball attack before Saqib Mahmood finally dismissed him on the final ball of the powerplay.

In the end, Head’s contribution proved invaluable as Australia, despite a middle-order collapse, posted a competitive total of 179. His innings not only gave Australia the early advantage but also ensured that they could dictate terms throughout the remainder of the game. England’s bowlers may have regrouped later in the innings, but Travis Head’s early burst set up the platform for Australia’s eventual 28-run victory, marking a dominant start to the T20I series.

See Also: Nissanka's century seals consolation win for the touring side

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to bring an unparalleled level of excitement and competition. As cricket fans around the world gear up for this grand event, all eyes are on Group A, where traditional rivals India and Pakistan co-hosts USA and Canada, and the spirited Irish team will clash in a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

Group B Overview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be an exhilarating tournament, and Group B promises some of the most thrilling contests. Featuring cricket giants Australia and England alongside spirited teams like Namibia, Oman, and Scotland, the competition is intense, with only the top two teams progressing to the Super 8s phase. This mix of experience, emerging talent, and sheer determination sets the stage for captivating cricket action.

See Also: “This innings will probably open the eyes of those who don’t know me or USA cricket”, Aaron Jones after 94* against Canada

Group B Preview

1. Australia’s Squad Analysis

Australia remains a favourite in this edition despite a disappointing home World Cup in 2022. Known for their strong performances in ICC events, the team is packed with talent, including seasoned campaigners and dynamic players.

Key Players

Travis Head

Travis Head is a player to watch out for. Fresh off a match-winning performance in the 50-over World Cup final and an impressive IPL season, Head’s explosive batting makes him a key figure in Australia’s quest for T20 World Cup supremacy. He has been demolishing pace attacks, averaging over 50 with a strike rate above 190 since the last World Cup.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc is another crucial player for Australia. Known for his lethal bowling, Starc recently became the most expensive player in the IPL. As a powerplay specialist, he aims to dominate top-order batters with his fast-swinging deliveries and crush their toes with yorkers in the death overs. Starc is Australia’s leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cups, with 27 wickets in 20 matches.

Fixtures

• vs Oman: June 5, Barbados
• vs England: June 8, Barbados
• vs Namibia: June 11, Antigua
• vs Scotland: June 15, St. Lucia

Australia: 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

2. England’s Squad Analysis

England, the defending champions, are known for their aggressive playing style. The return of Jofra Archer adds to their already formidable squad, which is a blend of experience and youth.

Key Players

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler continues to be a standout performer. His recent IPL form, where he struck two hundreds, highlights his supreme value as a T20 batter. Since the start of 2023, Buttler has amassed more T20 runs than any other player, with 22 half-centuries to his name. His versatility and aggressive play make him indispensable.

Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid, England’s most successful limited-overs spinner, is vital to their strategy. Despite being 36, Rashid shows no signs of slowing down. He has excelled in the Caribbean, with 21 wickets at an average under 14 and an economy rate below six. His performance will be crucial in controlling the opposition.

Fixtures

• vs Scotland: June 4, Barbados
• vs Australia: June 8, Barbados
• vs Oman: June 13, Antigua
• vs Namibia: June 15, Antigua

England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood

3. Namibia’s Squad Analysis

Namibia confidently enters the tournament after an undefeated run in the Africa Regional Qualifier. Their mix of youthful energy and experienced players makes them a formidable opponent.

Key Players

JJ Smit

JJ Smit has been outstanding, scoring at a strike rate of 151 with an average of 66 in recent years. His ability to destroy pace bowling at the back end of the innings is crucial for Namibia’s success.

Gerhard Erasmus

Gerhard Erasmus, a leg-spinner, has had an exceptional two years, taking nearly 30 wickets at an average of 12. His tight bowling and ability to take wickets will be key for Namibia’s campaign.

Fixtures

• vs Oman: June 2, Barbados
• vs Scotland: June 6, Barbados
• vs Australia: June 11, Antigua
• vs England: June 15, Antigua

Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, Michael Van Lingen, Dylan Leicher, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo, Tangeni Lungameni, Niko Davin, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, JP Kotze, David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz, Malan Kruger, PD Blignaut

4. Oman’s Squad Analysis

Making their third T20 World Cup appearance, Oman aims to make a significant impact. Their tournament opener against Namibia will set the tone for their campaign.

Key Players

Aqib Ilyas

Aqib Ilyas, Oman’s leading run-scorer, has been appointed captain. His consistent performance and healthy strike rate 161 make him a vital player in Oman’s lineup.

Bilal Khan

Bilal Khan, Oman’s left-arm yorker specialist, is pivotal in their bowling attack. With 106 wickets in his T20 career, he is used effectively in both the powerplay and death overs.

Fixtures

• vs Namibia: June 2, Barbados
• vs Australia: June 5, Barbados
• vs Scotland: June 9, Antigua
• vs England: June 13, Antigua

Oman: Aqib Ilyas (c), Zeeshan Maqsood, Kashyap Prajapati, Pratik Athavale, Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi, Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Rafiullah, Kaleemullah, Fayyaz Butt, Shakeel Ahmad, Khalid Kail. Reserves: Jatinder Singh, Samay Shrivastava, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra

5. Scotland’s Squad Analysis

Led by Richie Berrington, Scotland aims to leverage its global T20 experience and replicate past successes against top teams. Their blend of experienced players and promising talents makes them a competitive side.

Key Players

George Munsey

George Munsey’s aggressive batting style is a key asset for Scotland. His ability to manipulate the field with sweeps makes him challenging for any opposition.

Mark Watt

Mark Watt, known for his changes of pace and unique bowling style, has an impressive record in T20 World Cups. His ability to control opposition batters and keep the runs in check will be crucial for Scotland.

Fixtures

• vs England: June 4, Barbados
• vs Namibia: June 6, Barbados
• vs Oman: June 9, Antigua
• vs Australia: June 15, St. Lucia

Scotland: Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal

Group B Prediction: Top Two Teams

Australia and England are the favourites to progress to the Super 8s, given their experience and strong squads. The decisive match for determining the top team in the group is likely to be the England vs. Australia clash on June 8 in Bridgetown. However, surprises must be considered in Namibia, Oman, or Scotland.

Dark horse

Scotland is the most capable of causing an upset, having previously defeated Test-playing nations at the T20 World Cup. England, having lost to the Netherlands and Ireland in past World Cup editions, will be particularly cautious. England has experienced a setback against Scotland before, losing an ODI by six runs in 2018.

Group B’s competition highlights the global reach of T20 cricket, showcasing the talent and potential of teams from various regions. This contributes to the sport’s overall growth and development.

Group B of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises high-octane cricket with a mix of seasoned champions and spirited underdogs. As Australia and England vie for supremacy, Namibia, Oman, and Scotland bring their unique strengths and ambitions to the fore.

Australia’s dynamic all-rounder and current T20 captain, Mitch Marsh, is back in action after a challenging hamstring injury. This recovery comes just in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a critical event for the Australian cricket team. His return not only boosts Australia’s prospects but also adds a layer of excitement and anticipation for fans worldwide.

Mitch Marsh’s Injury

Marsh’s journey to recovery began with an untimely hamstring injury during the early stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Playing for the Delhi Capitals, Marsh’s injury was a significant setback, as he had to withdraw from the tournament just as it was gaining momentum. The injury was severe enough to sideline him completely from professional cricket for several months.

See Also: Who says what after KKR’s third IPL title win

Recovery Journey

Marsh and the medical team initially believed the injury would require a three-week recovery period. However, tendons can be unpredictable, and Marsh’s recovery took longer than anticipated. The extended time off allowed him to heal thoroughly, avoiding the risk of further complications.

“It’s been progressively slow, but I’m finally getting there now and looking forward to getting stuck into the tournament. Initially we thought it was a three-weeker, but with tendons, they can take a little bit longer and you’ve sort of got to go on feel. Once I was ruled out of the IPL, we’ve certainly taken our time to get right. And I feel lucky that I’ve had that bit of extra time, a little bit of time at home to refresh,” Marsh told Cricket Australia.

Training and Preparation

Marsh rejoined his teammates in Trinidad, where he participated in intensive training sessions. His performance during these sessions has been promising, indicating that he is ready to take on the competition. The focus has been on regaining full fitness and ensuring his hamstring is up to the rigors of international cricket.

“Probably still a little while off. I’ll start bowling hopefully soon. Get through these practice games as a batter and then we’ll ramp it up. But it’s one of the beauties of being captain now, I don’t have to bowl myself. We’re lucky that we’ve got so many options with ball and so much talent, Stoin (Marcus Stoinis) and Greenie (Cameron Green), and we’ve got a lot of options. So, all our planning, it allows me to be really clear on that. I’ll bowl when I need to bowl, but outside that, it’s always team first,” Marsh noted.

Australia’s All-Rounder Strength

Australia is fortunate to have a wealth of all-rounders. Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green are two such players who can fill in with both bat and ball. This depth allows Marsh to focus on his batting while gradually easing back into bowling.

“Guys have been at the IPL and they have been playing a lot of cricket, so we’ve prioritised giving them a couple of days at home to see their family, refresh and play the long game for this tournament. We’re going to be undermanned a little bit (against Namibia), but it is a practice game. And the guys that need to play will play as much as they can and we’ll figure it out from there, ”Marsh said.

Warm-Up Matches

Warm-up matches are crucial for any team’s preparation, offering a chance to experiment with different combinations and strategies. The game against Namibia will be a vital opportunity for Marsh and his team to assess their readiness and make necessary adjustments before the tournament.

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

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