World Cup 2019: Should Australia's top-four batsmen replicate England's tactics?
The Australian cricket team started its ICC World Cup 2019 campaign with a solid seven-wicket win against Afghanistan on Saturday. Interestingly, both Aussie openers, David Warner and Aaron Finch smashed impressive fifties. The defending champions have solidity in their ranks, especially if we talk about the top four batsmen. Here we analyze how Australia can replicate England's tactics and perform well, this term.
Finch, Warner shine against Afghanistan
Against Afghanistan, the Aussies put on 96 runs for the opening wicket. Aaron Finch started off aggressively and scored a 49-ball 66. He showed his aggressive intent, which allowed David Warner to start slowly. Warner got into his groove and hit a patient 114-ball 89*. Both Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith got starts to support Warner. Aussies will be looking to build on this.
Australia's top four batsmen are rare talent
When you look at the two top run-scorers in ODI cricket this year, Khawaja (784) and Finch (700) lead the proceedings. Finch and Warner can be Australia's trump cards up the order. The versatility of Khawaja can be used intelligently. He likes to take his time and settle down. Smith is in fine form as well. Warner and Smith's return has lifted the spirits.
Why Aussies should take inspiration from England?
England's top four batsmen look well settled. They had a tremendous 2018 in terms of runs scored in ODIs and were the highest run-scorers of the side. The likes of Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan have carried on with the form in 2019 as well. From aggression, strike-rotation and match-winning attributes, England's top four are a real treat to watch.
England's batting heroes have started well in CWC 19
In their opening encounter against South Africa, three of England's top four batsmen registered 50-plus scores. They never let the proceedings to slow down and a sense of maturity prevailed. It also set the base for England to score in excess of 300. England's batting looks superior than most sides and the team will look to count upon the same in the World Cup.
Australia can take a leaf out from England's book
Australia will want to take a leaf out of England's book. They have that aggressive opening combination just like England. Khawaja embodies Root in terms of application and eye for runs. In Smith, Aussies have a match-winner just like Morgan is for England. What they need is the belief in themselves. Consistency and self-belief govern England's success and Aussies should look to replicate it.
