3 players who need to step-up for Australia in ODI World Cup 2023 

Australia has made a good comeback in the ODI World Cup 2023 after losing the first two matches in the tournament against India and South Africa respectively. In their last two matches, Australia has beaten Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively. Yet, their victory against the two sides hasn’t been convincing and the questions about the form of some of their players are still intact. Here are three such players who need to step up for Australia with their performance.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith was Australia’s best batter in the 2015 ODI World Cup. In the 2019 ODI World Cup, Smith still played some fine innings. But in the 2023 World Cup, he has not fired much. In the match against India, Smith scored 46(71). Though it was good in Chennai, it was not enough. He scored 19(16) against South Africa while chasing more than 300. Further, he was dismissed for a duck in 5 balls against Sri Lanka. He scored only 7(9) against Pakistan. He definitely needs to step up as a batter.

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins must step up both as a bowler and as a captain. His captaincy decisions have been questionable. With the ball, he has not been great either. Against India, he bowled 6.2 overs and conceded 33 runs without taking a wicket. Against South Africa, he ended up with a horrible spell of 1/71(9). Against Sri Lanka, he bowled well for 2/32 (7). But he was expensive against Pakistan, against whom he registered figures of 2/62 in 7.3 overs.

Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne has been very slow as a batter. In the match against India, he scored 27(41). Against South Africa, he scored 46(74). He scored 40 runs in 60 balls against Sri Lanka, which was good considering the situation. His 8(12) against Pakistan did not help his team’s cause. An unsettled middle order does not help teams. As an individual, Marnus must step up and be aggressive.