‘Can still win it’: Glenn Maxwell’s century proof Australia are World Cup dark horses

A cricket great believes Australia have what it takes to keep their momentum going and go all the way at the Cricket World Cup.

Mark Waugh believes Australia can reach the semi-finals of the ODI Cricket World Cup and give themselves a chance of winning a sixth title.

After two dire losses to India and South Africa to begin their campaign, the Aussies are back on track following victories over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Australia now sits fourth on the table of 10 teams with four matches remaining against New Zealand, England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. They play the Kiwis on Saturday afternoon AEDT.

Watch every match of The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Live with no ad breaks in play on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

Speaking to news.com.au before Australia’s 309-run demolition of the Netherlands, Waugh said Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith needed to score more runs in the middle order to have any hope of lifting the trophy.

“Middle order batting hasn’t been very good so far,” the 1999 World Cup winner said.

“We probably need some more runs from the middle order, particularly Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell — he’s a key player for the rest of the tournament with the bat.”

Waugh’s comments were prescient given Maxwell exploded with a blistering 40-ball century against the Dutch to set a new record for the fastest World Cup ton.

Glenn Maxwell’s century showed Australia can go all the way. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP)

While 400 has become the new 300 in ODI cricket, keeping wickets in hand before accelerating in the last 10 overs is the recipe for posting a monster score.

Maxwell scored his century in the last 10 overs, showing he is the X-factor Australia needs to win the World Cup.

David Warner was on 90 at the end of the 32nd over and reached 100 in the 39th over

Glenn Maxwell was on 14 at the end of the 42nd over and reached 100 in the 49th over

— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) October 25, 2023

The clash against England appears to be the dangerous match-up among four winnable games for Australia, who are now well positioned to qualify for the semi-finals after being on the bottom of the table at one stage.

“It’s worked out OK for Australia so far but they need to keep winning obviously,” Waugh said.

“They’re sitting fourth on the table — a lot of results have helped them get up in that top four. Still a long way to go but great signs for Australia coming back into form.

“I think Australia can probably afford to lose one more game and still sneak into the semis in fourth spot. I’ve got either Australia or England running fourth. I don’t think Pakistan can make it.”

The Aussies are well and truly back in the hunt at the World Cup. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP).

Waugh believes Australia are a tier below the three teams ahead of them on the table (India, New Zealand, South Africa) but are still capable of going all the way.

“If you match Australia up with most teams, they match up as good as anybody, really. I can’t see why they couldn’t still win it,” he said.

“They’ll need to improve, just because India, New Zealand and South Africa are playing on a different level. They’ve separated themselves from the rest of the pack. South Africa have been smacking it around.

“Australia are below that at the moment, but they’re more than capable of getting up their with those top sides.

“They can’t afford too many more mistakes but I think they’re good enough to sneak into the four and if you do that you can definitely win the tournament.”

Warner sets the tone, dilemma looms

Along with legspinner Adam Zampa, David Warner has been Australia’s best player at the World Cup so far.

His second century of the tournament against the Netherlands saw him overtake Ricky Ponting with the most World Cup tons by an Australian with six overall.

Warner took two superb outfield catches against Sri Lanka and has set the tone for Australia’s resurgence.

“I thought the first two games he looked flat. I don’t know why you’d be flat for a World Cup,” Waugh said.

“You need some individual players to set the standard and lift the team and David Warner’s always capable of that.

“He’s a real livewire in the field, he’s got a great pair of hands. His catching has been important but his batting, along with Mitch Marsh against Pakistan, really showed the benchmark the team needs to follow.”

David Warner has been one of Australia’s best so far. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP)

Travis Head is due to return from injury. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Travis Head didn’t play against the Netherlands but is expected to play against New Zealand this weekend in his return from a fractured hand.

Head has blossomed at the top of the order in the canary yellow and will likely slot in as opener, pushing Mitch Marsh down to No. 3.

“I know it’s hard to break up Mitch Marsh and David Warner but for Travis Head to fit back in the team he’s got to open,” Waugh said.

“That’s where he’s been most destructive before his injury. I’ll imagine he slots straight back in as opener.

“He needs some match practice. It’s not easy to come back in after five or six weeks off with injury and smack it around the park.

“It’s all well and good to have a net session but he’s got to get out in the middle in this heat.”