World Cup 2019: Australia or India- Whose squad is stronger?
The ICC World Cup 2019 is just over a month away and final preparations are underway as the participating teams have started announcing their squads for the tournament. Defending champions Australia, along with India, announced the squads on Monday. While both the sides have stars in their ranks, each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Here we analyze which team has a stronger squad.
India's top-order arguably the best in the tournament
Starting with the top-order, Australia have David Warner and Aaron Finch as openers, while Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith would follow them. As for India, they have the deadly pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan atop. And then comes, the best ODI batsmen in the world, Virat Kohli at one down. Although, Australia have a world-class top-order, it is no match for India's.
India's number four mystery could give them headache unlike Australia
Talking about the middle-order, India's biggest problem is their number four batsman. Although it is not sure as to who would be their number four, chances are Kohli might bring MS Dhoni up the order. Vijay Shankar could be another good option, considering his fine form in 2019. The national selectors also gave an indication that they have picked Shankar as number four.
Australia's middle-order far more balanced than India
Analyzing the middle-order, Australia look way more settled. While India do have Dhoni, Shankar, Jadhav and Pandya, the line-up is not reliable. These batsmen have not been tested enough against quality attack. Australia, on the other hand, have genuine match-winners like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Pat Cummins. Maxwell is enjoying the form of his life and can change the game at the death.
Carey nowhere close to Dhoni as wicket-keeper
In the wicket-keeping department, Australia have taken a big risk by promoting youngster Alex Carey ahead of Peter Handscomb. While Handscomb does have more experience than Carey, the Australian selectors went ahead with the young blood. India are far ahead in this department with them enjoying the services of veteran Dhoni. He is also in deadly form with the bat.
India's bowling at par with Australia
Considering the bowling attack, Australia are packed with weapons as they have moved in with a bowling dominated squad. From Adam Zampa to Jhye Richardson, Australia definitely have enough firepower in their arsenal. However, for the first time, India also boast of one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar can contain any batting line-up.
India marginally ahead of Australia
Overall, it is quite noticeable that both the teams are at par considering their strengths and weaknesses. However, the author feels that India are marginally ahead due to their top-order. Since 2015, India's top three have been in dominant form and we expect them to continue in the same vein in England. Finally, India have a balanced squad compared to Australia's bowling heavy team.
