The T20 World Cup 2022 is already rolling and what a fantastic first few matches we have had with Namibia and Scotland punching above their weight and how. Undoubtedly, the tournament is living up to the billing. And now we have the first big game of the tournament in our hands. The defending champions Australia taking on the last year’s finalists New Zealand at the beautiful Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. But before the first ball is bowled in that match, let’s get talking about some pluses and minuses in these two teams.
Australia are well-balanced but they should have called up Cameron Green
Australian captain Aaron Finch getting some runs under the belt is good news for the host nation. He was in desperate need of some runs and he got them against India and West Indies and then in the warm-up match too on Monday night. He needed these scores heading into the World Cup and they will keep him in good stead.
I quite like the look of Australia’s bowling attack especially as they play in Australian conditions. They have got these taller guys in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins to start with. And then they have got Marcus Stoinis with some variety and all-round skills. Adam Zampa comes in with his wrist spin. I think he is a very underrated spinner who has taken a fair number of wickets for Australia in T20Is. Then you throw in a little bit of Glenn Maxwell, it really becomes a great bowling attack. Not to forget, Tim David can chip in with some overs. In a nutshell, Aussies have an attack that has variety in it.
I am also happy for Cameron Green now as much as I feel sad for Josh Inglis, who got ruled out due to injury. I was absolutely gob smacked when Green was not picked. I think he is a versatile cricketer and it was unfortunate when he was not picked in the squad earlier. Ideally, he should have been part of the squad from the start. I believe Steve Smith took his spot. Smith has batted a lot in top 3 and only strikes at 125. He averages just over 25. I don’t think that is good enough and Aussies should have looked at someone like Green to replace him. He brings so much to the table with him. He opened recently in absence of David Warner in India. He can fill any gap for you, bowls a little as well. He has proved that he can bat higher in T20s. That is why I feel they missed a trick there and I find it pleasing that Green now gets the green signal.
Australians have a lot to prove while playing at home. No team has been able to defend their T20 title so far. That’s a hurdle as well as motivation for the Aussies. They have similar personnel as last year and they have got a great opportunity to do well in tournament.
New Zealand lack big six-hitters
New Zealand are an ageing side. Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Martin Guptill. These guys have been there for some time now. In this World Cup, what Black Caps need are some X-factor guys, who can go big inside the powerplay and carry the same momentum further in the innings. Devon Conway is a little orthodox but he is also a very talented player. He plays 360 with some lovely reverse-sweeping and dabs and late cuts and upper cuts off the pace bowlers. There is a lot riding on Conway in this World Cup. Also, the big update awaited is what happens with Daryl Mitchell. His injury is a massive blow if he cannot play against the Aussies on Saturday in the T20 World Cup opener at SCG. There is a lot of questions to be asked to New Zealand but primarily two: the balance of the side and the absence of the X-factor six-hitters. I believe the Kiwis have not got the power to clear the big boundaries in Australia. Getting over the fence is a different game altogether in Australia compared to the comparatively smaller grounds in New Zealand and sub-continent.
New Zealand’s key players
There are five players who hold a key to New Zealand’s campaign in the World Cup. Kane Williamson. The captain bats higher up. He will either open or bat at 3. Remember, he topscored for New Zealand in the final last year. He can bat well and build partnerships, support the other guys, can anchor innings and his role becomes crucial in this way. Again, Conway is very important. He had a very good tournament last time around before he injured his hand. If he scores, New Zealand would be the happier camp.
The swing kings: Boult going upfront with the new ball and perhaps at the death is a key component. I wonder if Southee will get all games or will they go with an extra mile of pace of Adam Milne. He could be quite exciting in Australia. My fifth player would be Mitchell. If he can play, he could be a decent addition. And if Mitchell does not play, Finn Allen comes in. He is young, strikes the ball hard and is difficult to not include in the top 3.
A match like this is an ideal way to kickstart the Super 12 stage of the tournament and there are plenty of reasons to believe the Australia vs New Zealand opener would live up to the high expectations. Hoping for good game of cricket on Saturday night.
