Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
Australia in ODIs: 5 things to focus on moving forward | 5 things Australia need to focus on to continue improving in ODI cricket
Australia has always been a side to beat in world cricket. They are a cohesive unit at their best, and everyone’s performance is synchronized with the team’s need at that point in time. And their never-say-die spirit is what makes them a great team and one of the toughest to beat.
But, post-World Cup 2019, one can see a dip in their performances as a team. They haven’t won as many games as they would like, losing back-to-back series to India and South Africa. And the rankings certainly proves this point, as they’re ranked fourth in the ICC ODI rankings. Even after winning a closely-fought ODI series against England in their backyard, they still have some work to do moving ahead and preparing for the mega-events.
Here are the five points on things they can build on for the future.
5. Death bowling worries
Australia have a daunting trio in Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. There are no doubts about the abilities of these bowlers, but of late they’re found to be guilty of leaking runs at the backend. Starc had a dream run in the World Cup, but since has struggled to find his rhythm & deliver in the slog overs. Hazlewood hardly bowls in the death overs and one can see that in his wicket tally at the death. Cummins has been the strong force for Australia like he has been for two years now, but he also struggled at the death this series, particularly in the second ODI as Adil Rashid and Tom Curran hit crucial late runs.
Australia’s pacers at the death since 2019 World Cup:
So what can the team management do?
They can bring in Kane Richardson, who’s been their first choice bowler in T20Is. His effective change of pace can come good in the last ten overs. Or they can go with the express pace of Riley Meredith, who can bowl those yorkers and bumpers at a rapid pace.
2. Do Australia keep this personnel for middle-order or try new players?
Australia’s bench strength is pretty strong at the moment with the likes of Matthew Wade and rising star Josh Phillippe warming the bench. Matthew Wade has been terrific since his comeback in the 2019 Ashes, but he wasn’t able to make a case for himself in the ODI XI because of Alex Carey. He certainly has the ability to bat in the middle order, as has the power game which will ease some pressure off Maxwell in the middle.
Josh Phillippe came into the limelight after his good run with the bat in the Big Bash League. However, he’s predominantly a top-order player, and was left out since there’s no spot in the top four with the addition of Marnus Labuschagne. Former Australian great Adam Gilchrist spoke very highly of the young Wicketkeeper-batsman and said “A guy like Philippe could be a catalyst for change.”
Captain Aaron Finch said that they’re looking at the bigger picture now and want to give more chances to players like Phillipe to build a strong core before the World Cup in India in 2023. Finch can test him in the middle order and he might cash onto the opportunity because of his ability to play both spinners and pacers equally well. Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb are also there, and will keep knocking on the door of the selectors.
3. Alex Carey’s form since the World Cup
Alex Carey finished the 2019 World Cup as the highest run-getter among wicket-keepers. His average of 62.5 was a notch above that of any other player, with 375 runs at a healthy strike-rate of 104.17. In the end, he was rightfully named in the team of the tournament.
However, Carey has struggled to rediscover his mojo specifically in ODI cricket. The WK batsman averaged only 15.75 with the bat in his nine ODI matches before the series decider vs England. Although he was brilliant in the last ODI at Manchester, where he scored his maiden ODI ton while chasing a big total, the likes of Wade and Phillippe waiting in the wings means Carey has to score consistently to remain a permanent member of the XI. This innings will instill more confidence in him to not suddenly have to think he’s got to rein it in, but rather do express himself routinely in the future for Australia.
2. First choice all-rounder: Marcus Stoinis or Mitchell Marsh?
The slot for the seam-bowling all-rounder is up for grabs. And Australia has got two contenders in Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis. Mitchell Marsh’s form in BBL 09 earned his place back in the limited-overs squad when Australia toured South Africa. Marsh’s compact technique and Test match experience, in combination with his ability to strike big, makes him a good contender for the middle order spot when he can chip in with few overs and can take an odd wicket or two.
On the other hand, you have Stoinis, who was in supreme touch in the BBL scoring over 600 runs. However, he batted as an opener throughout the tournament, and he clearly prefers batting at the top of the order, which raises questions against his selection. Australia already has a problem of plenty at the top, so it makes the case of Stoinis even weaker. Also, statistically, Mitch Marsh has a slight edge over Stoinis with the bat and ball. It’ll all depend on the team’s combination and the form while selecting one between the two all-rounders.
1. Glenn Maxwell’s Role in the team
Since his comeback in the team after a mental health break, it’s almost like we’re seeing a new and better version of Glenn Maxwell. He’s looking supremely fit, striking the ball better than before and one can see the hunger in his eyes to perform for Australia at the highest level. If Maxwell is in a good space, then he can win you matches on his own. And with the ball, he can chip in with few overs and on his day might end taking a wicket or two.
Such an asset to have in your team when at his best. And Aaron Finch agrees.
But, in the current Australian team there’s a lack of clarity in terms of Maxwell’s role. Justin Langer and Aaron Finch need to nail down his role in the 11, or they’ll waste a potential like Maxwell. He’s currently a floater in the team; the number of overs decides his batting position, but this hasn’t worked out well with him. Maxwell’s average of 48 and strike rate of over 120 is what you get with at 7. Although the sample size is small still, it can give him the license to go after the bowling without any pressure of setting a total or chasing one down.
Let him play freely, assign a specific role and that’s when you’ll get the best out of ‘The Big Show’.
Written by Vaibhav Tripathi. Follow Vaibhav on Twitter today.
