The Kangaroos are upbeat with two dominant victories in a row against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Australia could not start their campaign the way they would have wanted. In the first match, they got a heavy defeat at the hands of India and then the Proteas outmuscled them in Lucknow. But the tide seems to be in their favor with a couple of good outings.
Now the Aussies will come up against the Netherlands and this contest won’t be as easy for the Kangaroos because the Dutch have already upset a giant in South Africa. Against Sri Lanka as well they put up a challenge in Lucknow. Australia would be prepared for this challenge and the right team combination would be very important for them.
Let’s take a look at the Probable Australia’s Playing XI against the Netherlands:
Top Order
David Warner and Mitchell Marsh completely dominated the Pakistan bowling attack in Bengaluru. Both the openers scored massive tons on a batting paradise at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium. Warner and Marsh were not having a great tournament but their performance against Pakistan would give a lot of self-confidence. This opening pair has the potential to split open any bowling lineup and the renewed belief would help them go full-throttle in the upcoming matches.
Steve Smith would be the other player in this top order and he is a very significant member of this squad but the former skipper is going through a poor run of form. Going forward in this World Cup Smith will have to turn up with some big knocks. All eyes will be on him in Delhi when the Aussies come up against the Netherlands.
Middle Order
The Australian middle order would play a very significant role against the Netherlands. This middle order crumbled against Pakistan in Bengaluru as they could not capitalize on a wonderful start given by the openers. The positive thing is that most of the batters playing in the middle order have got some runs under their belt apart from Glenn Maxwell, who has been very ordinary in this World Cup so far. Australia’s qualification prospects would be very much dependent on Glenn Maxwell as he is the destructor in this middle order. Labuschagne, Stoinis, and Inglis would also look to contribute against the Dutch side.
Bowling Unit
The Kangaroo bowlers were under pressure against Pakistan when the opposition openers got the better of them in the initial overs. But the Aussies made a strong comeback to restrict Pakistan in order to register a comprehensive victory at the end. Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers against Pakistan with 4 wickets and a spinner taking the most number of wickets on a flat track in Bengaluru shows the quality that Adam Zampa possesses. Captain Pat Cummins also appeared to have regained his mojo. Cummins got two scalps in Bengaluru which would alleviate the doubts that many had on his skills. Starc and Hazlewood would be the other prime speedsters in this attack. Stoinis would also have a key role as an all-rounder.
Also read: Predicting India’s Playing XI for their encounter against New Zealand in ODI World Cup 2023