#CricketInNumbers: Key statistics, records of Australia in the World Cup
The ICC World Cup 2019 will start from May 30 onwards, in England and Wales. Notably, Australia are the most successful side, having won the title on five occasions. Further, Australia go into this year's World Cup as the defending champions. But, Aaron Finch's side could find life difficult this term. Here we look at the Australian team's statistics and records in this event.
How have Australia fared in ICC World Cup events?
Australia crashed out of the group stage on two occasions (1979 and 1983). They made a shock exit from round-robin stage in the 1992 World Cup. Australia crashed out of the quarter-final in 2011. The Aussies have been runners-up twice (1975 and 1996). They are the most successful team and have won the trophy five times (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015).
Australia's highest and lowest World Cup scores
Australia's highest ever innings score in the World Cup came in 2015, when they amassed 417/6 against Afghanistan. Interestingly, it is the highest score in the World Cup. Their lowest total came against India at Chelmsford in 1983 (129).
Warner and McGrath hold individual records
David Warner (178 versus Afghanistan) has the highest individual score by a Australian batsman. He achieved the feat in 2015. Glenn McGrath holds the record for the best bowling figures by an Aussie in the World Cup. He picked up 7/15 against Namibia in the 2003 World Cup. Andy Bichel had figures of 7/20 against England in the same edition.
Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath had enormous impact
Former Australian cricket team captain Ricky Ponting has scored 1,743 aggregate runs for Australia in the World Cup. He tops the list for his side and is second in the all-time list. Punter hit five hundred and six fifties. McGrath went on to take 71 wickets for the Aussies. This is a World Cup record for the most number of wickets taken.
Some other massive records held by Australian cricketers
Mark Waugh (1,004) and Adam Gilchrist (1,085) are the two other Aussie cricketers besides Ponting to score 1,000-plus runs in the World Cup. Ponting managed to notch five hundreds and is the joint-second highest for the most tons scored. Gilchrist has the second most number of dismissals by a wicket-keeper (52). Punter holds the record for the most catches by a non wicket-keeper (28).
Key issues facing Australia and our prediction
Australia have issues in batting and they are dependent heavily on Shaun Marsh in the middle order. Their prime pace bowlers haven't played much ODI cricket and could be rusty. Australia do not have a settled top order. The return of David Warner could ease things a bit. However, we feel that Australia will not qualify for the semis this time around.
