The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will run from June 1 to June 29, and the 2024 champions will be crowned at the Kensington Oval Stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados. England will try to defend their crown and lift the trophy for a record third time. However, they will face stiff competition from 19 other teams, including former champions and new challengers eager to make their mark on the tournament.
Australia’s strong bowling
Australia are considered one of the prime contenders for the title, largely due to their formidable bowling attack. Their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup boasts three experienced and highly skilled pacers: Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, along with the exceptional leg-spinner Adam Zampa. This combination of bowlers offers a blend of pace, precision, and spin, making Australia a daunting opponent.
Also READ: Australia veteran Nathan Lyon predicts the finalists of T20 World Cup 2024
Tim Paine’s insights on Australian attack for T20 World Cup 2024
On ESPN Australia’s “Around the Wicket” show, former Test skipper Tim Paine discussed how Australia should strategize for the World Cup. Paine advocated for his Tasmania teammate Nathan Ellis, emphasizing the variety Ellis brings to the Australian pace attack. According to Paine, Ellis should be one of the first names on Australia’s team sheet due to his effective variations and impressive record in T20 cricket.
Paine suggested a bowling lineup featuring Starc, Ellis and leg-spinner Zampa. He then proposed choosing between the star pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins to complete the attack. Paine highlighted Ellis’s 24 wickets in 14 games as evidence of his suitability for the T20 format, particularly with the tournament being played in diverse conditions in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).
“I am picking Mitchell Starc. He is my No.1 out-and-out quick. Obviously Adam Zampa. I am going to decide one between Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. I am going to pick one of them. Its not to say that they aren’t outstanding bowlers. They are. But Ellis complements the rest of the attack really well,” Paine said.
“He would be my third quick. I just think he complements the other guys really well. He has got a different skillset, comes from a different angle and height, I think some variety is going to be really important in winning this World Cup. His international record for the opportunities that have been given is outstanding,” Paine concluded.
Australia’s recent success
Australia have enjoyed a stellar run in the past year, clinching both the World Test Championship (WTC) title and the ODI World Cup 2023 Trophy. They will be looking to add another trophy to their cabinet with a strong performance in the T20 World Cup. Australia are placed in Group B alongside strong teams like England, and they will begin their campaign against Oman on June 6.
Also READ: Aaron Finch predicts the semifinalists of T20 World Cup 2024
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