Ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, former skipper Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner have been included in the Australian World Cup squad after serving their bans following the Sandpaper Gate fiasco in South Africa in 2018.
The defending champions look more dangerous now at least on the sheets. After the inclusion of David Warner in the squad, the opening place of Usman Khwaja has been landed into trouble as Warner is expected to open the attack with his former partner Aaron Finch.
Though Khwaja has shown a good form averaging 59.15 in ODIs in 2019. While opening, that number climbs to 65.50.
Australia Cricket Team:
Aaron Finch (captain), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon.
Head coach: Justin Langer
ICC World Cup Track Record:
| ICC World Cup edition | Standing |
| 1975 | Runners Up |
| 1979 | Group Stage |
| 1983 | Group Stage |
| 1987 | Champions |
| 1992 | Round Robin |
| 1996 | Runners Up |
| 1999 | Champions |
| 2003 | Champions |
| 2007 | Champions |
| 2011 | Quarter Finals |
| 2015 | Champions |
Australian team have always been dominant in the World Cups as they are also the most successful cricket team, who had won a total of 5 cricket world cup trophies till now, which is the most by any team.
Australia are the favourites to lift the trophy this year. They possess one of the best opening pair- Aaron Finch and David Warner, who will be backed by the likes of Usman Khwaja. The middle batting order is also strong with the likes of Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh.
The spin bowling attack of Australia also look strong which includes Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon. With the all rounders like Marcus Stoinis and Glen Maxwell, the team would enter the ground with even more confidence.
The team is also backed up by the pace bowling attack, which includes, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Coulter Nile Jason Behrendorff.
Australia will begin their world cup campaign against Afghanistan on June 1 at the County Ground in Bristol.
With all 10 teams at the World Cup part of the round-robin group stage, each team will play a total of nine matches before the knockout stages, starting July 9. The top four teams will qualify for the knockouts.
The 2019 World Cup will be held between May 30 and July 14 and 48 matches will be played across 11 venues. The first match will take place at the Kennington Oval in London, between England and South Africa.
