Mark Waugh believes Australia can attain the semi-finals of the ODI Cricket World Cup and provides themselves an opportunity of successful a sixth title.
After two dire losses to India and South Africa to start their marketing campaign, the Aussies are again on monitor following victories over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands.
Australia now sits fourth on the desk of 10 groups with 4 matches remaining towards New Zealand, England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. They play the Kiwis on Saturday afternoon AEDT.
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Chatting with information.com.au earlier than Australia’s 309-run demolition of the Netherlands, Waugh mentioned Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith wanted to attain extra runs within the center order to have any hope of lifting the trophy.
“Center order batting hasn’t been excellent thus far,” the 1999 World Cup winner mentioned.
“We most likely want some extra runs from the center order, notably Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell — he’s a key participant for the remainder of the event with the bat.”
Waugh’s feedback have been prescient given Maxwell exploded with a blistering 40-ball century towards the Dutch to set a brand new report for the quickest World Cup ton.
Whereas 400 has change into the brand new 300 in ODI cricket, retaining wickets in hand earlier than accelerating within the final 10 overs is the recipe for posting a monster rating.
Maxwell scored his century within the final 10 overs, displaying he’s the X-factor Australia must win the World Cup.
The conflict towards England seems to be the harmful match-up amongst 4 winnable video games for Australia, who at the moment are nicely positioned to qualify for the semi-finals after being on the underside of the desk at one stage.
“It’s labored out OK for Australia thus far however they should maintain successful clearly,” Waugh mentioned.
“They’re sitting fourth on the desk — loads of outcomes have helped them stand up in that prime 4. Nonetheless a protracted option to go however nice indicators for Australia coming again into type.
“I believe Australia can most likely afford to lose yet one more recreation and nonetheless sneak into the semis in fourth spot. I’ve received both Australia or England working fourth. I don’t assume Pakistan could make it.”
Waugh believes Australia are a tier under the three groups forward of them on the desk (India, New Zealand, South Africa) however are nonetheless able to going all the best way.
“Should you match Australia up with most groups, they match up nearly as good as anyone, actually. I can’t see why they couldn’t nonetheless win it,” he mentioned.
“They’ll want to enhance, simply because India, New Zealand and South Africa are enjoying on a unique stage. They’ve separated themselves from the remainder of the pack. South Africa have been smacking it round.
“Australia are under that in the mean time, however they’re greater than able to getting up their with these prime sides.
“They’ll’t afford too many extra errors however I believe they’re adequate to sneak into the 4 and in the event you do that you would be able to undoubtedly win the event.”
Warner units the tone, dilemma looms
Together with legspinner Adam Zampa, David Warner has been Australia’s greatest participant on the World Cup thus far.
His second century of the event towards the Netherlands noticed him overtake Ricky Ponting with probably the most World Cup tons by an Australian with six total.
Warner took two very good outfield catches towards Sri Lanka and has set the tone for Australia’s resurgence.
“I assumed the primary two video games he regarded flat. I don’t know why you’d be flat for a World Cup,” Waugh mentioned.
“You want some particular person gamers to set the usual and carry the staff and David Warner’s at all times able to that.
“He’s an actual livewire within the discipline, he’s received an awesome pair of palms. His catching has been necessary however his batting, together with Mitch Marsh towards Pakistan, actually confirmed the benchmark the staff must observe.”
Travis Head didn’t play towards the Netherlands however is anticipated to play towards New Zealand this weekend in his return from a fractured hand.
Head has blossomed on the prime of the order within the canary yellow and can doubtless slot in as opener, pushing Mitch Marsh right down to No. 3.
“I do know it’s onerous to interrupt up Mitch Marsh and David Warner however for Travis Head to suit again within the staff he’s received to open,” Waugh mentioned.
“That’s the place he’s been most damaging earlier than his damage. I’ll think about he slots straight again in as opener.
“He wants some match observe. It’s not straightforward to return again in after 5 or 6 weeks off with damage and smack it across the park.
“It’s all nicely and good to have a internet session however he’s received to get out within the center on this warmth.”
