Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg in a conversation with Deep Dasgupta highlighted the concerns for the team heading into the marquee tournament. Australia lost the warm-up game against India after the forgettable bilateral T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies. The Aussies lost against both the teams in an away series with the batting especially looking the weaker link.

Skipper Aaron Finch is coming off a knee surgery while David Warner’s form at the top of the order has been a constant problem for the side. He lost his playing-XI spot and the captaincy role he had with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was only able to score a solitary run across both warm-up games as well.

Australia Needs David Warner In Form: Brad Hogg

“For me, the key players would be Warner and Finch at the top. Warner has to get in form because if you don’t get a good start at the top of the order, if the openers don’t do the job, you’re on the back foot straightaway. Maxwell at No.4 is an important component. Josh Inglis should come in at No.6, he has got 360 arc shots and could prove to be a difference in the batting unit. Mitchell Starc is the key with the ball. He has to pick up wickets with the new ball and in the death as well” said Brad Hogg on Deep Dasgupta’s Youtube channel.

The injury concern to Marcus Stoinis is another concern says Hogg in his analysis of the Indian squad.

“Any player’s fitness is a concern for the team and Stoinis’ fitness is one major concern. If he can’t bowl, it is going to put a huge hole in this Australian team. I think the other big concern is who is going to bat at No.3 Steve Smith or Mitchell Marsh.”

Australia will begin their quest for their maiden T20 World Cup title against South Africa on October 23 (Saturday) in Abu Dhabi.

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