Big names return as Australia before defending its championship
Shimron Hetmyer won’t be attending the World Cup, according to news that came out of the West Indies team’s camp last evening. That is undoubtedly a big setback for a team trying to reclaim their position as one of the top T20 cricket team Australia . Hetmyer was a crucial player for West Indies and his absence throws their preparations into turmoil with only a few days to the start of the tournament. Hetmyer had flourished under pressure at the end of the IPL.
In these two T20Is against the reigning world champions without Hetmyer, it will be intriguing to observe the adjustments they make to their batting lineup. The world champions’ circumstances contrast sharply with those of the West Indies. The host team will greet the 2012 and 2016 winners with a strengthened roster, whilst they arrive in Australia decimated.
The return of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc is imminent for Australia. With only five games left until they start their championship defence, it makes sense that Australia would want to play with their entire roster. The trio missed the India trip. Marsh won’t be bowling for the time being as they lessen his workload after his comeback from an ankle injury, according to captain Aaron Finch, who mentioned it in his pre-game news conference.
But as was seen in the UAE during the World Cup last year, Marsh the batter is essential for Australia at No. 3. Now that Warner is also returning, the top order will have a more established appearance, but the middle order is actually rather exciting. Players are fighting for positions on the field after Australia decided to enlist Tim David. The talented footballer is getting ready to compete in his debut game on Australian soil, but what lies ahead for him?
It seems more likely than not that David will replace Steve Smith in the starting XI if he succeeds in doing so. Despite not batting in the top 3, Australia still has faith in Smith’s ability to perform; the issue is whether he can equal David’s power-hitting prowess. In these two T20Is, in addition to these two players, there will also be attention on another rising star.
Although Cameron Green was very effective against India, his exploits may have come a little too late since he wasn’t named to the official World Cup 15-man team. The selectors would undoubtedly consider Green if one of those hitters or all-rounders sustains an injury, but the 23-year-old will need to continue making his case until then.
Team News
Australia
Marcus Stoinis is only expected to play against England on Sunday, October 9, thus Green’s presence might give Warner more opportunities to bat at the top of the order. Warner is expected to only play against England. Glenn Maxwell, though, will have to bowl four over if Australia chooses to play both Smith and David.
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith/Tim David, Cameron Green, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood comprise the probable XI.
West Indies
Unexpectedly, Yannic Cariah was selected for the T20 World Cup team. It will be fascinating to see whether West Indies gives him a go in these two matches since he hasn’t played in a T20I before. Shamarh Brooks, Hetmyer’s replacement in the lineup, might not be a lock to start considering that his recent CPL success came at the top of the order. He may not even reach our shores by the time the series premieres.
Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (C & WK), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Yannic Cariah, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Sheldon Cottrell, and Obed McCoy make up the probable starting lineup.
