Australia’s ICC World Twenty20 Tournament came to a close last Friday night on the back of a 74-run loss to the West Indies. Chris Gayle led the charge for the Windies, who posted an imposing total of 205. Australia never looked like threatening them, aside from a knock of 63 from captain George Bailey.
After scintillating and crushing form in their first four games, the Aussies seemed to tone things down against Pakistan, scraping through to the semi-finals on net run rate. Against the West Indies, the firepower of Gayle was the key in setting up a monstrous victory.
Having come into the tournament ranked ninth, the Aussies looked the goods until their Super 8 match against Pakistan. From a positive perspective, the matches can serve as a reasonable base coming into the Australian summer, which commences next month.
Here is a review of each player that took to the field for Australia:
Shane Watson: By far the best player for Australia, finishing with 249 runs at an average of 49.80 and 11 wickets at an average of 16.00. Watson’s ability as the opener to systematically take apart bowling attacks, such as Ireland and the West Indies, set a cracking platform. Watson’s aggressive bowling was also a key part in Australia’s victories, able to stem the run flow or grab the breakthrough when it was needed. While his form dropped away against Pakistan and the West Indies in the semi-final, his 133 run partnership with fellow opener David Warner against India was one for the clean hitting highlights reel. Grade: A
David Warner: Warner’s Twenty20 tournament (131 runs, averaging 26.20) lacked composure. Aside from his 63 against India, Warner continuously looked troubled at the crease, and was caught swinging on multiple occasions. Warner’s form coming into the tournament off the back of their series against Pakistan didn’t look too flash, and perhaps that had a flow-on effect in Sri Lanka. Warner has the talent to score mountains of runs, just finding the ability to string consistent big scores together is his problem. Grade: C+
Michael Hussey: The stoic and calm batsman scored 155 runs at an average of 77.50. Batting at number three, the only thing against him all tournament was the opportunities to get out into the middle, largely thanks to Watson and Warner. His highest score of 54 came against Pakistan, when the Australians almost missed the semi final. That innings, and his 45 against South Africa, showcased exactly what the left-hander can do as a batter. Grading: B+
Cameron White: White’s opportunities never came at this World Cup, thanks largely to the dynamic duo of Watson and Warner. If White wants to find a secure spot in the Australian side, he needs to hope that when it comes, he can shine. Having largely shifted to a batting role, White’s spin bowling, if worked on, could provide another helpful gadget to the Australia side. Grading: C
Mitchell Starc: The left arm quick was a key part of the bowling attack, and the swing Starc was able to generate was lethal. His accuracy meant that runs conceded were kept to a minimum, and as part of the Watson-Cummins-Starc trio, was able to combine beautiful line and length with aggressive attacking bowling. Reaping the rewards of consistent opportunities, Starc has gained some valuable form and experience heading into the Australian summer. Grading: B+
Matthew Wade: The Victorian wicketkeeper had an excellent tournament, but was cruelled in the batting by Watson and Warner. In the semi-final against the West Indies, Wade missed several balls therefore crucial runs. That being said, Wade’s quick hands and thinking behind the stumps sent batsman packing. He has shown to be very competent in handling the international stage, and simply needs more time to establish himself. Grading: B
David Hussey: Brought in for the West Indies semi-final, the younger Hussey simply didn’t, or couldn’t, grasp the opportunity thrown to him. Gone for a second ball duck, and wicketless in his bowling, Hussey’s form coming in wasn’t up to his usual standard. Lack of games didn’t help. Grading: N/A (minimum two games to make a call)
Glenn Maxwell: The all-rounder came into the tournament on the back some decent performances from the series against Pakistan in Dubai, but failed to live up to expectations. Eight runs from five matches and one wicket raises questions over the decision to rush Maxwell into the Australian side. Playing on several Sri Lankan dustbowl pitches, Maxwell’s ability to spin the ball was very much lacking. Grading: C+
Brad Hogg: The 41-year-old veteran left-arm spinner’s commitment can never be questioned. He threw himself around the field, but had a frustrating time with ball in hand. Just two wickets isn’t representative of the pressure he was able to put on batsman, and he regularly stifled the opposition run rate. Oldest player on the field, but still proved that he can play. His record was slightly tainted by the belting from the West Indies. Grading: B
George Bailey: The recently appointed Twenty20 captain found his best form as the tournament progressed. His 63 against the West Indies was an outstanding performance, particuarly given that it was in a losing cause. His captaincy fluctuated during the tournament, but Australia did win its first four matches. He is probably the right man to lead the Twenty20 side (the vice captain is Watson), but the unsettled nature of both the shortest form and the inconsistency of the Australian middle order is something Bailey will have to discuss with selectors. Grading: C
Pat Cummins: The aggressive and terrifying young speedster picked up six wickets in the tournament. While he erratic at times, when Cummins bowled well, he bowled extremely well. Capable of pushing the ball past 140 kph, the new ball suited Cummins very well, giving him the ability to swing it both ways. The only downside was his economy rate (8.20). At just 19 years of age, Cummins has plenty of time to gain experience and lead Australia’s next generation. Grading: B+
Dan Christian: A very safe pair of hands, but he under performed with both bat and ball when called upon. Christian’s big hitting ways and all-round bowling were pinned to the ground, playing only three matches. His sole wicket also came with an economy rate of almost 8.50. While Christian is a very good attacking bowler, he wasn’t able to deliver in Sri Lanka. Grading: D
Xavier Doherty: Brought in during the Super 8 stage and immediately had an impact, grabbing career best figures of 3-20 during the tournament. He was able to somewhat quell the West Indian slaughter during the semi final, and grabbed the vital wicket of monster hitter Kieron Pollard. An extremely underrated spinner who just hasn’t had the opportunities at the top level. Grading: B+
Overall team grade: B-B+
Davis Harrigan is a first-year Bachelor of Sports Journalism student at La Trobe University. You can follow him on Twitter: @Davis_Harr
