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As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the showdown between Australia and India at the ODI World Cup 2023, the selection of the perfect playing XI has become the subject of intense speculation and discussion.
Former Australian captain Aaron Finch, a name synonymous with leadership and cricketing expertise, has thrown his hat into the ring by revealing his ideal lineup. Both teams will meet at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8.
The dynamic opening duo
Finch, known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, has wisely opted for a dynamic opening pair in the form of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. Warner, a seasoned campaigner, is renowned for his aggressive batting style and incredible fielding skills. His ability to provide a fiery start to the innings is a crucial asset for Australia. Similarly, Marsh is not a traditional opener, but his all-round prowess and adaptability make him a versatile choice.
The solid middle order
In the ever-important middle order, Finch has selected players who bring both stability and firepower. The former Aussie skipper went with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Notably, batting maestro Smith has proven his ability to anchor the innings and play match-winning knocks. His presence provides the much-needed stability in the middle order. Likewise, Labuschagne brings consistency and the ability to rotate the strike, perfectly complementing the aggressive players around him.
The versatile all-rounders
No modern cricket team is complete without a game-changing all-rounder and Finch has gone with a couple of them in the form of Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green. Maxwell is a well-known name in world cricket and can single-handedly turn the match with his explosive batting and effective off-spin bowling. Green is also a valuable asset and can be an X factor for the Aussies in this World Cup.
In the wicketkeeping department, Finch went with Alex Carey, who’s safe glovework behind the stumps and ability to play crucial innings down the order make him the ideal choice as the wicketkeeper-batter.
Also READ: One bowler from each team to watch out for in ODI World Cup 2023
The potent bowling attack
A formidable bowling attack is the key to defending totals and taking wickets and Finch has kept that in mind while picking his bowlers. The 36-year-old picked three pacers in the form of skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and experienced campaigner Mitchell Starc. The only specialist spinner in Finch’s XI is Adam Zampa.
The pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood is known for dominating the contests with their sublime bowling display. Similarly, Zampa provides his effectiveness in the middle overs as well as in the slog overs, a pattern which has been witnessed in the recent past.
“I think one of the all-rounders will miss to be honest. I think (the team will) be (David) Warner and (Mitch) Marsh, (Steve) Smith, Marnus (Labuschagne), (Glenn) Maxwell, (Alex) Carey, Green, (Pat) Cummins, (Mitchell) Starc, Hazlewood, Zampa,” said Finch as quoted by CODE Sports.
Also READ: 8 Bangladesh players who featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup but won’t play in the 2023 CWC
Aaron Finch’s Australia XI for the game against India:
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
