The Australian cricket board has been under a lot of scrutiny over the recent turn of events. They have gone through ups and downs and had to lose a lot of home and away series. However, things have changed for them in the recent past. The response to all the criticism has come out strong and here are the reasons why the Australian cricket team can be seen as a favourite to win the ICC cricket world cup 2019.
1. The return of Warner and Smith
David Warner and Steve Smith regained their top form in the IPL. The team had to struggle a lot in their absence. But an away series win over India has given them a lot of confidence. Now, with the addition of both Warner and Smith, they look stronger for the world cup than what they were a year ago.
2. Bowling Attack
An Australian team has a fierce bowling attack with the likes of Starc, Cummins and Jhye Richardson. Although the conditions differ a lot away from home, these bowlers are capable of adapting to the world cup track in no time. This versatile bowling attack is crucial for Australia to be favourites in the world cup.
3. Defending champions
Australia has won five of the last six world cups. They have dominated the world cup like never before. When it comes to tournaments, they contest hard. Even though the team has gone through ups and downs, they look confident and prepared to defend the world cup.
4. Strong lower order
Lower order has always been a problem for Australia. But with Stoinis, Maxwell, Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson, they look to take batting till the end of the lineup. Starc can also impact batting even if the required run rate is in double digits.
5. Australia Understands Indian Attack
Australia has played a lot of cricket without Warner and Smith. They know the threat of Indian death bowling. The Indian opening pair has done a lot of destruction too. Australian cricket team tried to address these two issues and came out successful by winning the series in the end. Hence, they are confident and can still be favourites for the world cup 2019 in England.