Australia’s World Cup squad was announced on Monday, and overall it’s not a bad squad. I wouldn’t have been willing to pick Warner on name alone after his suspension but he’s been scoring at will in the IPL and I believe he deserves his spot. Harsh on Handscomb who didn’t do much wrong in recent games, and I don’t see the need for a second spinner in England. Maxwell can fill that role if needed and has just taken a bag in county cricket.
My changes:
In: Handscomb, Head/Turner
Out: Lyon, Coulter-Nile
I personally don’t rate Lyon or Coulter-Nile one day cricket, or at least not at international level. I’d pick Lyon in tests and Coulter-Nile in T20 but that’s it. With just 8 players in the squad who’d be batting in the top 7, I’m replacing them with batsmen. Handscomb is in great form and can keep if anything happens to Carey form or injury wise. I’d also bring in either Travis Head or Ashton Turner, batsmen who can also bowl a bit. Head showed his credentials in the recent home test matches although he hasn’t played any ODIs recently, and we all know what Turner has done in the BBL and how he took down India.
I almost would have selected Bancroft after his blistering form in the BBL but couldn’t really justify his inclusion over the current incumbents after winning 8 straight ODIs and we’re already a little heavy on openers with Finch, Warner, Khawaja and Marsh. I’d have him as well as Lynn, Neser and Kane Richardson on standby.