Jason Gillespie Warns Not to Write-off Australia from 2019 World Cup
Published - 29 Jun 2018, 06:35 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:53 PM
Former Australia cricketer, Jason Gillespie has warned Australia’s critics not to write them off from the upcoming World Cup next year in England and Wales, despite a poor show against the hosts recently.
Better not rule Aussies out – Gilliespe
Meanwhile, the Aussies slipped to the six spot on the ICC rankings, the lowest in more than three decades after their 5-0 loss against England. Missing their first six players due to suspension or injury, the Aussies find themselves in a mess. Furthermore, they have now managed to win only two out of 18 completed games.
However, Gillespie admitted it would be folly to rout Australia from the list of probable winners. The old horse backed the Aussies to win the tournament and surprise everybody.
“Everyone is taking pot shots at Australia at the moment,” he told Talk Sport radio. “But mark my words, come the World Cup I think we’re going to surprise a few people. “England deserve to be favourites, but do not write off Australia. I’m still backing them to win the tournament. I think they can do it and I think they can surprise a few people,” he added.
Gillespie acknowledged the absence of big-name players hurt the Aussies in their winless campaign.
Moreover, he cited several mistakes during selection as the main reason behind the loss. He pointed the decision to trial Aaron Finch in the middle-order and leaving Test spinner Nathan Lyon out of the first three games as the main fault.
The 43-year old believes Australia’s schedule gives them time to turn their fortunes around. The Australians will play another 16 matches before the World Cup, which gives Justin Langer enough time to work his magic.
Smith and Warner, meanwhile, will likely have a strictly white-ball diet leading into the tournament through various domestic events worldwide, climaxing with the IPL next April-May.
Australia will kick off their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan.
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