Former India opener Aakash Chopra feels that irrespective of the conditions Australia are one of the favourites to reach the semifinal of the ODI World Cup 2023. The five-time World Cup champions will enter the marquee tournament with back-to-back series losses to South Africa and India respectively. The Aussies last won the World Cup in 2015 when the tournament was played in Australia and New Zealand.
Chopra analysed the Australian cricket team ahead of the WC and said they have the firepower to reach the semifinals.
“Australia are one of the favorites to reach the final four. Irrespective of the conditions, I feel Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell will combine take the Aussies to the final four. If this side in yellow reaches the final four, they will be extremely dangerous in the knockouts,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.
The former India opener pointed out the concern in the Australian team as he feels that they need Glenn Maxwell to contribute more with the bat while spin department is also a bit weak.
“They have not finalized their keeper. Both Josh Inglis and Alex Carey are good players, but who will play in the XI? Maxwell claimed four wickets, but Australia need him more with the bat. This is one area which is still a bit of a concern. Spin is a potential problem that they might encounter,” said Chopra.
All-rounder Glenn Maxwell recorded match-winning figures of 4-40 with his off-spin in the final ODI against India on Wednesday to make an instant impact on his return from injury.
Chopra further suggested that roles of all-rounders Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis’ are also not clear in the team but they still have the capability to reach the last four.
“Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis, the role is not clear at all. Stoinis’ chances to perform are bright because he bats better in the lower order compared to Green. The team is good, let’s see how they go. My prediction is they will reach the top four,” Chopra added.
Rain on Saturday forced the World Cup warm-up match between Australia and the Netherlands to be called off after Mitchell Starc claimed a hat-trick in a stellar all-round show.
Chasing 167 in a reduced 23-overs-a-side match, the Netherlands were 84-6 in 14.2 overs when rain had the final say in Thiruvananthapuram.
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