Twenty20 World Cup / Andrew Hughes / 01 June 2009 /

For once the Australians enter a tournament behind another team in the betting. Andrew Hughes tells you why...

Australia are third favourites for the ICC World Twenty20 at the distinctly un-Australian odds of [6.0] And they are in that position on merit, having lost their last three 20 over games, using 21 players in the process as they try to establish their strongest line-up. It would, however, be unjust to characterise this volatility of selection as a sign of panic. Many fringe players have been tried and rejected and the squad that slipped quietly into England last week is a pretty strong one.

Key Batsman

With due respect to Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and the Hussey brothers, Andrew Symonds is undoubtedly the star of this batting line-up. Despite the off-field problems that have led to his omission from the Ashes squad, he remains the best 20 over batsman in international cricket. Averaging close to 50 at a strike rate of 169, he is also a consistent performer, able to bat according to the match situation as he showed in his performances for the Deccan Chargers in the IPL. He is well worth a look at odds of [25.0] or higher in the top tournament run scorer market.

Key Bowler

Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson will provide the cutting edge but it is Nathan Bracken who will be the backbone of the Aussie bowling effort. One of the most underrated bowlers in the world, he is a phenomenally accurate left-armer who can be relied upon to bowl his overs economically and will exploit any swing on offer.

The Captain

Ponting is not particularly at ease in the 20 over format, but he is a class act and his figures are respectable. More significantly, this is the first assignment of a crucial summer, one that will define how future generations regard his captaincy and he will want to begin in the best possible manner. Expect him to be a more aggressive and hands-on captain than we've seen in the past.

Conclusion

These are interesting times for Australian cricket, but they are approaching an uncertain future with characteristically meticulous planning and it would be folly to write off such a talented squad. Though they are in the 'Group of Death' with Sri Lanka and West Indies, it would be a surprise if they were to be eliminated at that stage and Ponting's men look a good bet to reach the semi-finals at least.

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