Australian men's cricket team will face unbeaten India in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. After losing the first two matches against India and South Africa, the Australian side have found their way to yet another final of the ODI World Cup. Five-time champions Australia will play in the finals for a record eighth time on Sunday. (Match Blog | Streaming | Scorecard | Full Coverage)
The Pat Cummins-led Australian side would like to win the title for the sixth time and write another chapter in the glorious cricket history of their nation. Ahead of the IND vs AUS final, here's a SWOT analysis of Australia:
STRENGTHS
Australia's biggest strength is their top-order batters. The explosive nature of David Warner and Travis Head is unmatchable. They have provided Australia flying starts since the inclusion of the Head in the team. Mitch Marsh has also played some impactful innings in this tournament.
Australian pace battery, led by Mitchell Starc, has been successful in providing initial breakthroughs. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have given good support to Mitchell Starc. Adam Zampa with his 22 wickets is in the second position in the wicket-taker's list. Zampa has been very successful in the middle overs.
The Australian team have plenty of all-rounders. Glenn Maxwell can provide more than five overs of spin bowling in between overs, so thus captain Pat Cummins. Travis Head's performance in the last match with the ball was also commendable. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith can also provide a few overs of spin bowling.
Apart from all these strengths, Australia have a strong middle-order. Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell can play according to the need of the hour. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc can also add crucial runs at the end. If Marcus Stoinis is given the chance, he can also play an important inning in the middle-order.
WEAKNESSES
Mitch Marsh is an able all-rounder but he has not bowled a single delivery in this tournament so far. Injuries may be a reason for that, but Marsh not bowling is a weakness for the Australian team.
Adam Zampa is the only complete spinner in the mighty Australian side. However, there are part-time spinners like Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head who bowl in middle-overs but an effective second spinner is what the Australian side lacks.
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OPPORTUNITIES
Australia are in the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup for the record eighth time. Having won the title five times before, Australia have a great opportunity to win the trophy for the record sixth time and also take revenge against India for their group stage loss.
THREATS
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad provides an ample turn for the spinners and Australia have just one quality spinner Adam Zampa in their side. The unavailability of another quality spinner may pose a threat to the Australian side in the final on Sunday.
