After two devastating defeats in the T20 World Cup, where the absence of their star fast bowlers was brutally exposed, Australia’s reputation as a white-ball heavyweight has all but vanished.
Australia was on the verge of a humiliating elimination after losing to co-hosts Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in Kandy on Monday, after suffering a crushing 23-run loss to world number 11 Zimbabwe on Friday.
Mitchell Marsh’s side now find themselves dependent on 12th-ranked Ireland to do them a favour by defeating Zimbabwe later on Tuesday. Even that may not be enough. Australia would still require already-qualified Sri Lanka to get the better of Zimbabwe on Thursday to keep their hopes alive heading into their final group clash against Oman.
Australia has historically taken pleasure in their ability to overcome any obstacles and perform at their best during major competitions, as evidenced by their record six 50-over World Cup victories and their 2021 T20 World Cup victory. But without the veterans who have been the foundation of their success, their typical confidence has vanished.
This is Australia’s first World Cup without at least one of their winning speed trio in more than ten years, as left-arm sensation Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 internationals while fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are out due to injury.
The Zimbabwean and Sri Lankan batsmen have hammered experienced leg-spinner Adam Zampa in two wicketless performances, while Nathan Ellis’ backup seamers have found it difficult to establish themselves.
While Marsh and fellow opener Travis Head scored 104 runs in 8.3 overs, Australia’s batting has struggled against spin on numerous occasions and lost 10 wickets for 77 runs against Sri Lanka.
Australia’s hasty selections and preparations have confused fans and former players, even though injuries haven’t exactly helped. Players arrived late for a warm-up series against Pakistan, when they were soundly defeated 0-3, while Australia’s domestic Big Bash League (BBL) was still going strong into the home season.
Some of those without injuries carried form questions to Pakistan, and those questions have persisted throughout the World Cup.
Steve Smith, a master batter who averaged just under 60 during a fantastic season for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL, was left off the original squad. Until injuries compelled them to act on Sunday, selectors disregarded pleas to include the aging great.
There still questions why Smith and batter Matt Renshaw, who had a top score of 65 against Zimbabwe and 37 against Ireland, were kept out of the starting eleven against Sri Lanka.
In the defeats against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, none of the three players—Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, and Cameron Green—reached double figures.
