My Take on Twenty20 and the Aussie Team

Twenty20 cricket, seemingly here to stay, is entertaining, fast paced cricket.

A licence to have fun for most cricketers but now with a World Cup, more serious. A game where winning the toss is a huge advantage and the ability of a team to bounce back, essential. Quick accurate bowlers an advantage but the bowler with the ability to mix his deliveries up, maybe even a bigger advantage. You’ll need big hitting batsmen right down to eleven and of course, a smart, quick thinking captain.
Oh, and a little bit of luck going your way.

Gilchrist & Hayden

Both big hitters. If Hayden can continue his current form, a big assest. Gilchrist’s form of late varies but has a knack of coming good at the right time. He’s a good wicketkeeper and vice-captain, so hard to leave out.

Ponting

Most cricket fans from other countries feel that Ponting is a captain of a great team, not a great captain. Personally I feel the team plays better with him at the helm. He is capable of some big hitting and when he is “determined” can be hardb to budge. Not sure if he will make the tournament as he delayed the trip due to private matters. A major blow if he doesn’t.

Clarke

Not the most explosive batsman in the team but capable. His bowling comes in handy but his fielding is excellent. A player that can contibute in all aspects of the game.

Hussey

Can hit out or rebuild the innings. A great player to have if you are in trouble. He is able to play well with the tail and his fielding is excellent. A safe pair of hands for catching.

Hodge

Very good T20 player. Has a strike rate of 140+ and has taken 33 wickets. He is a excellent fielder as well.

Symonds

Can be explosive with the bat, capable bowler and another excellent fielder. Good all round package. He likes to have fun with the game.

Watson

A player that always gets injured. If he makes it, he could surprise or he could disappoint. Who could forget that runout of deVilliers in the WC, from the boundary. I would have prefered White in his place.

Bracken

Leftarm bowler that can vary and adapt his bowling. Okay with the bat, what can you say.

Lee

The fast bowler in the team. It will depend on his accuracy because if he doesn’t get it right, can be hit all over. Ponting uses him as a wicket taker.

Clark Stuart

Could miss the cup due to his son’s illness. I don’t consider him a good ODI player and fear he will get smashed around in this format. Is capable of slogging a few sixes.

Hilfenhaus

Can swing the ball away at 140 kph and will be handy. Did well at the last T20 he played.

Hogg

The Aussie’s spinner that did so well in the last WC. Good fielder and can be handy with the bat.

Johnson

Touted as the next big thing a few years ago but has yet proven himself on the international stage. Leftarm bowler that will be competing for a place with Bracken.

Haddin

The extra wicketkeeper that may take over from Gilchrist when he retires. Has done well in the few games he has played.

These opinions are hard to make as Australia have not played that much T20. How they will go in the cup remains to be seen. It’s anyone’s cup.