Australia's Best ODI XI

[PowerBug]

Having watched all the different players in these last 4 matches, what Aussie XI do you pick. Pretend it's the World Cup Final, at the MCG, you are in charge of picking the XI, what do you do?

There's obviously a lot of things to consider, team balance, opposition lineup, pitch, weather. Where do you start? Well, there are the Key players, the first XI locks, and the ones that are still fighting for that final spot.

Key players:
Michael Clarke (Despite my belief that he should give it away, he is a lock and is key to the Australian lineup. Must play, and bat up the order. Excellent player of spin)
Mitchell Johnson (If this man can wreck havoc to the world like he did to England last year, well, watch out)

First XI locks
David Warner and Aaron Finch (These two go together, I think they've shown enough in this series to say that they will be the opening pair to kick off Australia's World Cup campaign on the 14th February)
Matthew Wade (This is an interesting one, but seeing as they haven't tried anyone else, I can't see Wadey losing his spot as the keeper here)
Steve Smith (Surely his efforts in South Africa and what he has shown here keeps his spot in the XI very safe. There's always an issue with team balance and if his spin doesn't come off, it could prove costly. But this guy is a batsman, and that's how he needs to be used. Excellent when there is pressure on him. See: Tonight, 3rd and 5th Ashes tests)

Now it get's interesting
George Bailey (He's the vice-captain, but is the form good enough? It probably is, but as you'll see later on, if he plays, what does that mean for the rest of the lineup)
Shane Watson (This guy is seriously not in good nick, he provides a bowling option though, don't pick him, it could leave the team one-dimensional)
Glenn Maxwell (Stick to T20 bud. Can't Bat, can bowl a little, but there are better AR options out there I think. Will likely make the WC squad though)
James Faulkner (This man is the AR that Australia have to play. He has excellent change up when bowling at the death, and excellent when batting at the death. Chuck him at 7, you have a winner)
Mitchell Starc (Can swing the ball, and bowl fast. Can you play 3 left arm seamers in one side? If you can play 4 right arm ones, then why you play 3 left arm ones)
Josh Hazlewood (Played very well in this series, is it good enough to keep a spot? I think so)
Pat Cummins (Only 21, amazing. Injury prone, bowls quick though, not as a good as Johnson and Starc right now I feel)
Xavier Doherty (Every team needs a spinner, someone that can bowl some quick, tight overs. 'X' is very good at that, and probably should be in the side)
Nathan Coulter-Nile (His injury likely will rule him out now, and he didn't do well in the 2nd match in Perth)
Kane Richardson (Very much like James Faulkner with his bowling, good at the death. Probably rated underneath James)
Mitch Marsh
Brad Haddin
Cameron White


Team so far:
1. David Warner
2. Aaron Finch
3. Shane Watson
4. Michael Clarke
5. Steve Smith
6. Matthew Wade
7. James Faulkner
8. Mitchell Johnson
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Josh Hazlewood
11. Xavier Doherty


From this, it's pretty obvious what Australia need. Missing a JP Duminy/Joe Root/Tilakaratne Dilshan type of player. Someone that is a batsman, but bowls (good) part time offspin. Clarke would be that man, but his back is terrible. Smith can't bowl consistently enough to be trust with 5-7 overs a match. Play Maxwell and the batting is considerably weaker. Play Bailey and there is only 5 bowlers. Watson keeps options open whilst being strong with the bat, even if his form is crap.



Have I missed anyone worthy of discussion? Did I stuff the team up? It's a tough job those selectors will have should Australia make the semi's or even the final itself.

[Toga]

Was just thinking about this myself PB, and it's a good question! What's our ideal World Cup team going to look like?

[Nige]

It's between Bailey, Maxi and Watto for the final place in the team.

Given the WC squad is 15 players, for the sake of the argument, we'll say Maxi (yes, I'm biased, flower you).

That leaves 4 other dudes.

You'd think these would two bowlers and two batsmen, at least one of each maybe or an allrounder or two.

So Bailey, Watto, Cummins and an unlikely selection... Cameron White.

[Bill Manspeaker]

yeah it's tricky mate. if Watto plays, that's our all rounder and number 3 bat. but I don't really trust him. if not, Clarke/Smith 3/4, then not sure... so maybe Watto has to play

but it's hard to leave out Bailey, statistically our best ODI bat, but would we be short on bowling. would be his last shot at WC

[PowerBug]

Is the WC squad only 15 players?! Damn that's a tight fit.

See you could drop Watson and Doherty, and bring in Maxwell and Bailey? That would a stronger batting lineup for sure.


South Africa won a match with Behardien expected to bowl 10 overs, surely Australia can let Maxy do the same?

[Spinking]

Haven't mentioned Mitch Marsh here PB. I'd actually have him neck and neck with Watson as our AR at the moment, maybe even ahead...

[shaker]

Your team looks good PB I would like to see Cummins in there if he can get through the summer , Watson has to stand up at this time to be in the team for me and as for Clarke he has to get over his problems and play some constant games to be any chance to be in the World Cup team taking him in the way his body has been would just create a big weakness in our batting Captain or not he must get into the test series and prove his body is not going to let him and the team down

[Pkbaldy]

What happened to Cameron Boyce? He injured or something? Kid can pull out some serious leggies. Would decimate teams.

[BratPack]

1. The guy from down the road
2. The parking lot attendant
3. The kid selling drinks in the stands
4. The guy who brings in the beach ball
5. Beer snake guy
6-11. Anyone not named Nathan Lyon

[stew42]

Dave Hussey or gtfo

[SydneyRox]

mitch marsh and a fit coulter nile should go straight in

[GoLions]

If we're gonna play all of Faulkner, Johnson, Starc, Doherty, and Hazlewood then I'd have White in for Watson.

[CrowsFan]

Bailey averages 45 and scores a 50 every third game, don't see why you are all kicking him out? He's the perfect number 5. With Faulkner in the team I really don't think we need Watson.

Top order of this:

Warner
Finch
Smith
Clarke
Bailey
Wade
Faulkner
Bowlers....

[BB67th]

Do we all seem to be forgetting Brad Haddin? He has been the ODI keeper for most of the year. He'll definitely be playing in the World Cup over Wade.

[Nige]

Do we all seem to be forgetting Brad Haddin? He has been the ODI keeper for most of the year. He'll definitely be playing in the World Cup over Wade.

He's also 94 and coming off an injury. Wade's younger and showing good form.