Cricket World Cup: who makes the cut in our first-choice Australian XI?

WITH just two weeks to go until Australia’s first World Cup match, we want you to tell us who makes the cut in your Aussie World Cup XI.

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Michael Clarke at the announcement of the Australian World Cup squad. Australia and New Zealand will host the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup which starts next month. pic. Phil Hillyard

NATIONAL selectors face the agonising task of picking a starting XI for Australia’s opening World Cup match, so we’re giving you the chance to play God and name your side to face England at the MCG.

TEAM SELECTOR: CLICK HERE TO PICK YOUR AUSSIE WORLD CUP XI

THE SURE THINGS

David Warner: Australia’s very own master blaster carried his brilliant Test form into the One Day arena, scoring a typically brutal 127 in the first tri-series game against England. Warner’s ability to dominate the world’s best bowling attacks makes him one of the first players picked.

David Warner was at his explosive best against England. Picture: Brett Costello.

Aaron Finch: The powerful opener failed to live up to his lofty expectations in this year’s BBL but the right-hander rebounded with 96 against India in the tri-series. Lauded for his batting prowess, Finch is a handy bowling option in the middle of the innings with his tight off-spinners. When firing, his combination with David Warner is one of the most destructive in world cricket.

Steve Smith: Australia’s stand-in skipper is in the rarest of form, scoring a staggering six centuries in just nine games across the Test and One Day formats. His incredible year culminated in a hoard of accolades and achievements including being named One Day Player of the Year. Smith’s form will be crucial to Australia’s hopes winning the World Cup.

Shane Watson: The much maligned all-rounder has come under heavy criticism for his Test form but his ability in the One Day arena is rarely questioned. A genuine all-rounder with an average of 40.57 and the ability to bowl a tight, wicket-taking ten overs makes him a crucial cog in Australia’s short form make-up.

Shane Watson’s a key man in Australia’s One Day make-up.

Brad Haddin: Australia’s evergreen wicketkeeper has been an integral part of Australia’s ODI formation since Adam Gilchrist’s retirement. His explosive lower-order hitting and World Cup experience will be invaluable to Australia.

James Faulkner: He’s been labelled the new Michael Bevan for his ability to finish an innings and the all-rounder has cemented his place in the team after living up to the lofty comparisons. An impressive batting average of 45 often plays second fiddle to his creative bowling ability. His arsenal of variations and deceptive change of pace makes him a crucial part of Australia’s bowling attack.

Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc are in good form heading into the World Cup. Picture: Scott Barbour.

Mitchell Johnson: The team’s premier strike bowler is one of the most feared bowlers on the planet. Once maligned for his inconsistency, Johnson’s new-found control with the new ball and wicket-taking ability is a nightmare for top order batsmen. If Johnson stands tall, the others will follow.

THE PROBABLES

Michael Clarke: Will he or won’t he? Speculation aside, Clarke has one of the most astute minds in the game and his batting statistics speak for themselves. With almost 10,000 runs at an average of 44.86 in the ODI format, Clarke would be the first picked if fit. His big game experience will be vital to the squad whether he plays or not.

Michael Clarke’s inclusion in Australia’s World Cup squad has divided the public. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Glenn Maxwell: Big Show or no show? Selectors have stuck by Maxwell despite a disappointing run of form with the bat. His saving grace has been his ability to tie-down an end with his tight off breaks. There’s no doubt he is a better player than his 28.72 batting average suggests, it’s just whether he can snap his form slump on the big stage.

Josh Hazlewood: The rangy right-arm quick complements the fire of an army of left-armers in Johnson, Starc and Faulkner. His nagging line and length is a crucial part of Australia’s bowling make-up as it allows his fellow quicks to unleash from the other end.

Plenty of questions surround Glenn Maxwell’s inclusion in Australia’s World Cup squad. Picture: Brett Costello.

Mitchell Starc: The young quick thrives in the shorter forms of the game and brings hot form into the World Cup. Starc has been devastating with the new ball in the tri-series, taking 12 wickets at an average of 13. His form warrants inclusion in the starting XI but is three left-arm seamers too many?

TEAM SELECTOR: CLICK HERE TO PICK YOUR AUSSIE WORLD CUP XI

THE POSSIBLES

George Bailey: The former skipper’s ability to control an innings is first class and he can flick the switch to explosive hitter once he’s set. The likable leader’s inclusion hinges on whether Michael Clarke passes a fitness test.

Pat Cummins: A fit and firing Cummins is a scary proposition for any batsman and the 21-year-old has bowled himself into the squad after an impressive Big Bash tournament. The big question mark surrounding Cummins is his lack of match practise leading into the World Cup.

Pat Cummins takes a wicket during the tri-series. Picture: Mark Nolan.

Mitch Marsh: The young all-rounder seems to have overcome a nagging hamstring injury after picking up two wickets in a grade match last week and with a strike rate of close to 90, he is an explosive batting option down the order.

THE LONG SHOTS

Xavier Doherty: The left-arm off spinner will likely miss out on Australia’s opening match at the MCG but he could play a role on more spin-friendly wickets during the tournament. It’s hard to squeeze him into the starting side if Glenn Maxwell is picked.

TEAM SELECTOR: CLICK HERE TO PICK YOUR AUSSIE WORLD CUP XI

Originally published as Cricket World Cup: who makes the cut in our first-choice Australian XI?