Mark Waugh Reveals His Australia XI For World Cup-opener Against India

Former Australia batter Mark Waugh has revealed his preferred Australia playing XI for their World Cup opener. The highly-anticipated ODI World Cup is scheduled to be played from October 5 to November 19.

Australia, on the other hand, will open their campaign on October 8. And the five-time world champions could not have asked for a tougher opposition to begin their campaign. They will take on hosts India who are one of the strongest contenders to win the forthcoming ODI World Cup.

Both teams are currently involved in a three-match ODI series. Australia are on the verge of being whitewashed in an ODI series by India for the very first time after losing the first two games. The Pat Cummins-led side will be looking to bounce back in the third ODI to gain some much-needed momentum for the World Cup.

Mark Waugh reveals his Australia XI:

With Travis Head set to miss the first half of the World Cup due to a broken finger, Mark Waugh has picked allrounder Mitchell Marsh as David Warner’s opening partner on JioCinema. The Australia great then picked Steve Smith as well as Marnus Labuschagne for the next two batting spots.

At number five, he went with Glenn Maxwell followed by wicketkeeper Alex Carey and allrounder Marcus Stoinis. For the bowling attack, Mark Waugh picked three pacers – Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and one spinner – Adam Zampa.

Mark Waugh’s preferred Australia XI:

David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Australia’s form in ODIs would be a big concern for the team management. They are on the verge of losing six games in a row in ODIs for the first time in five years. Before coming to India, they lost three ODIs in a row against South Africa. It was followed by two losses against India.

One of the reasons behind the poor performance was the absence of key players due to injuries. Australia would be at full strength for the World Cup and would be looking to hit their top form.

Australia squad:

Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.