Australia / Andrew Hughes / 08 February 2011 /

Australian cricket may be going through a bit of a low after that home Ashes defeat but when it comes to their World Cup pedigree, it's a different story. Underestimate them at your peril.

Australia

Despite the crushing Ashes defeat and the general air of gloom and despondency about Australian cricket in what has been an awful winter, they are surely underestimated in the World Cup winners market at [6.6]. They may be a pretty ropey Test team these days, but when it comes to limited overs cricket, they deserve to be ranked alongside India as the best in the world. In a tournament that is wide open, they have an excellent chance of retaining their title.

For a start, their line-up is full of batsmen who have thrived in Indian conditions for their various IPL franchises. Shane Watson, Cameron White and both of the Husseys will relish the easy paced pitches and true bounce they will encounter in South Asia, conditions in which Michael Clarke should also be in his element. They bat deep too, with Brett Lee, Steven Smith and Mitchell Johnson all dangerous lower order hitters.

Then there is the bowling. Lee, Johnson and Shaun Tait make up the fastest bowling trio in world cricket and in this format, their extra pace is vital to make early breakthroughs before the white ball becomes soft. And with the expectations of the Australian public lower than they have been for twenty years, there is very little pressure on the men in green and gold.

The Captain - Ricky Ponting

He is guaranteed to go down in cricket history as one of the all-time greats, a gutsy counter-attacker and devastating puller of a cricket ball. But just at the moment, and possibly for the first time in his international career, Ricky is close to being a liability. He was badly short of runs before succumbing to injury and in his absence pundits have been drawing up his career obituary. In what is the toughest test of his career, he must battle back from injury, rediscover his form and lead his team to an incredible fourth World Cup in a row. It would be quite a story.

The Heir Apparent - Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke has been on the receiving end of some undeserved criticism of late, much of it stemming from his high profile lifestyle. But leading Australia to a series win over England has settled some doubts about his captaincy credentials and he can go to India concentrating on his main job. Perfectly suited to Asian pitches and adept at playing spin, Clarke will be the batting mainstay, compiling well-paced text book innings whilst the swashbucklers do their thing.

The Fading Star - Brett Lee

He may not be quite the tearaway he once was, but Lee has a crucial role to play if Australia are to successfully defend their title. His pace has barely dropped at all since his heyday and he has all the guile and experience of a long international career to fall back on. His younger fast bowling teammates are good on their day, but it is Lee who will put in the consistent performances, making those first incisions in the early overs and controlling matters at the death, whilst keeping a smile on his face.

Superman - Shane Watson

Variously written off as injury prone or overrated, Watson has had to fight hard for his chances but in the last couple of years has been the surprise success story of Australian cricket. Reinvented as a powerful opener, he has clubbed some remarkable innings, none more spectacular than his recent 161 not out in Melbourne. He brings the momentum at the top of the order and with his underrated bowling, he demonstrates a Botham-esque ability to winkle out vital wickets.

Best Bet:

Australia to win the World Cup at [6.6]

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