Australia Team. (Photo Source: ICC)

Australia have already qualified for the Super 8 of the ongoing T20 World Cup. However, their performance in the match against Scotland on June 16 holds massive importance as it can decide Scotland and England’s future. If Scotland manages to win against the 2021 champions, they will top the group, and it will also ensure England’s elimination. However, if the Mitchell Marsh-led side picks up the win, it will help the Three Lions remain alive in the competition.

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood in the pre-match press conference stated that the team could surrender to Scotland and eliminate their arch-rivals, England. However, Pat Cummins clarified that it was only a joke and that the Kangaroos would give their all against the Richie Berrington-led side. In that case, Scotland will need to be on their toes as it can prove to be a difficult task for them to topple Australia in St Lucia.

Also Read – Matthew Wade gives insight on Australia’s Super Eight preparation

Will Australia make any changes to their winning squad to give some players rest, or would the goal be to keep up with the momentum? Let’s dissect their probable XI against Scotland.

Openers – David Warner, Travis Head

Travis Head and David Warner. (Photo source: Cricket Australia)

David Warner is in excellent form in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He smashed 115 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 153.33 and is currently the third-leading run-scorer of the tournament. He has looked ruthless in the powerplay which has helped Australia start well in their matches. Against Scotland bowlers, the southpaw would fancy his chances to keep up with the momentum as the tournament is slowly entering its business end.

Travis Head has not been at his very best but showed glimpses of his class. In the match against Namibia, the 30-year-old smashed 34* runs off 17 balls as Australia chased 73 runs in 5.4 overs. He can change the game at any point and would be gunning to score more runs ahead of the Super 8 stage.

Middle order – Mitchell Marsh (c), Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk)

Tim David. (Source -Twitter/X)

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh is one of the best players in T20 cricket. He can smash runs for fun and is an excellent fielder. He hasn’t had a wonderful season so far but the 32-year-old is a match-winner in any format of the game. He hasn’t bowled in this tournament but is fit enough to do so. However, against Scotland, the skipper might not want to take any risk and refrain himself from bowling.

Tim David may enjoy a promotion in the batting order against Scotland. He hasn’t played a lot of cricket recently and the team management may push him to get some game time ahead of the Super 8. He is a ferocious striker of the ball and will play a crucial part for the team in Super 8.

Like David, Wade too hasn’t batted much in the T20 World Cup. He batted once and made 17*  runs against England. He can fit in anywhere in the batting order, which is key. The 36-year-old can also finish games and need game time.

All-rounders – Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis

Glenn-Maxwell. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Glenn Maxwell, one of the fastest scorers in cricket history, has dominated the limited-overs formats. It’s challenging to set fields that will cover all of his scoring areas because of his ability to make unusual shots like reverse sweeps and pulls, for instance, appear commonplace. Maxwell can quickly alter a game at his finest, but his bravado carries a danger because he may excite and irritate simultaneously. When things go well, Maxwell, a fantastic fielder and a useful offspinner provides an amazing package in one-day and T20 cricket.

Marcus Stoinis, on the other hand, has been incredible. He has lived up to his potential, scoring 97 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 183.07. He has also picked up six wickets with the ball and will surely play a crucial role for the side in the remainder of the tournament.

Bowlers – Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Pat Cummins (Photo Source: Twitter)

Pat Cummins know the art of winning. He has picked up three wickets in two matches at an economy rate of 5.57. Performing under pressure is his biggest strength and the team management will back him to do well against Scotland and then in the Super 8 of the tournament. 

Mitchell Starc is likely to sit out and give himself some rest ahead of the Super 8. Nathan Ellis who has been fantastic so far is likely to continue in his place. Ellis too has picked up three wickets in two matches and has done well with the new ball.

Adam Zampa has been Australia’s biggest match-winner in the T20 World Cup 2024. He has picked up eight wickets in three matches and the number will definitely increase against Scotland. The surface in St Lucia will favour spinners and Zampa can rise up to the occasion. 

Josh Hazlewood has played all three matches and has picked up three wickets at an economy rate of 5.58. He will try to keep up with the form to seal his spot in the playing XI as with Starc’s return, things can change. Also, Australia can back Ashton Agar in spin-friendly pitches and in that case, Hazlewood may have to sit out.

Australia Predicted Playing XI:

Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.