Australia 2019 Cricket World Cup squad: Key players, fixtures, prediction, odds and more

A guide to Australia's Cricket World Cup squad

The Australian team can always expect an awkward welcome in England, and this summer will be no different as Steve Smith and David Warner, who were banned for their part in the sandpaper scandal, return to the international side for the World Cup.

The former captain and vice-captain were fined and served year-long bans for ball-tampering that was carried out by Cameron Bancroft, who does not play one-day cricket for Australia, against South Africa.

Warner and Smith, both banned from leadership roles, will play a huge role in any success the Aussies have this summer and come into the tournament on the back of strong IPL campaigns.

Australia have struggled to convert their Test stature into one-day success having picked up just two series wins in their last eight, a 3-2 win in India and a 5-0 whitewash against Pakistan.

Justin Langer’s side is equipped with an elite batting line-up and a bowling attack with enough variety and quality to dismantle any side in the world.

Fixtures

• Afghanistan, Saturday 1 June, Bristol County Ground, Bristol
• West Indies, Thursday 6 June, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
• India, Sunday 9 June, The Oval, London
• Pakistan, Wednesday 12 June, County Ground Taunton, Taunton
• Sri Lanka, Saturday 15 June, The Oval, London
• Bangladesh, Thursday 20 June, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
• England, Tuesday 25 June, Lord’s, London
• New Zealand, Saturday 29 June, Lord’s, London
• South Africa, Saturday 6 July, Old Trafford, Manchester

Squad

Aaron Finch (capt), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

David Warner and Steve Smith are making their return to international cricket (Getty)

Key player

This Australia squad is rich with talent and they will be confident that even a rotated side will be able to get the job done in some of the less challenging fixtures. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are two very capable bowlers that can work together to quickly end any hopes their opposition have of setting a big score. Usman Khawaja’s impressive strike-rate will also be key, providing he remains fit throughout.

Captain

Aaron Finch was named one-day captain after Australia’s Test captain, Tim Paine, struggled to hold his place in the ODI side. Finch has been working closely with Ricky Ponting to help avoid a collapse in discipline, as well as using the experience of Smith and Warner in preparation for the tournament. Not many teams carry a similar weight of expectation on their captain, especially after recent events, than Australia and it will be a test to see whether Finch can handle the occasion and continue to perform in the middle.

One to watch

If the pitches begin to turn, and that’s a big if, get used to the sight of Nathan Lyon crouched on one knee with his hands in the air having taken another wicket. Lyon is considered Australia’s greatest off-spin bowler and can catch out the best batsman on his day.

Odds to win

4/1

Prediction

Australia have the ability to challenge any team in the world and their quality and depth could carry them through to the final. If Starc, Smith, Warner and Lyon are all playing close to their best the side will take some stopping. The biggest barrier seems to be this side’s lack of consistency, especially when compared to tournament favourites England.