Aakash Chopra believes Australia would be imprisoned if they play on exceptionally slow wickets in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He did, however, concede that Mitchell Marsh and his team are a strong outfit on the whole.
On Saturday, June 8, the Australians will meet England in a Group B encounter at Bridgetown, Barbados. They began their campaign with a relatively underwhelming 39-run victory over Oman at the same stadium three days prior.
In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra stated that Australia may struggle if they face sticky fields in the 2024 T20 World Cup, including a game against England.
“Only one thing seems to be a weakness. If the pitches play very slow, they can be trapped. The opposing captain in the last match also said the same thing, that they don’t have the technique for slow pitches. If the ball sticks a little on the pitch in Bridgetown, Barbados, or the later pitches, they might get slightly stuck.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener remarked that Australia’s lack of depth in the spin-bowling department may be a stumbling issue on such pitches.
“A big weakness other than that is not seen. If the ball is sticking, their own lack of spin – Ashton Agar and Maxi (Glenn Maxwell), they might not have spin of that quality.”
Aakash Chopra
Adam Zampa, who took two wickets against Oman, is the sole specialist spinner in Australia’s team. While bowling all-rounder Ashton Agar is unlikely to make the ideal playing XI, Glenn Maxwell can throw a few useful overs with spin.
“It looks like a proper T20 squad” – Aakash Chopra on Australia’s strength
On the other hand, Aakash Chopra stated that Australia has a well-balanced squad for the shortest format.
“What is this team’s strength? It looks like a proper T20 squad. When you see Australia, you say everything is right. The fast bowling is looking good and you get two spin options in Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa. Maxi does a bit of spin bowling.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes the Australians’ greatest assets are their many all-rounders and offensive batting lineup.
“Luxury of all-rounders is this team’s huge strength as they have Maxwell, (Marcus) Stoinis, Cameron Green and the captain Mitchell Marsh. The batting order is also such, from Travis Head to Tim David, if he plays, that if they want to flex their muscles a little, everyone has the ability to keep hitting and make it a laundry bay.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra underscored the significant chance Australia has in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup particularly following their failure to advance to the semifinals in the previous edition hosted at home. His final remarks depicted the 2021 T20 World Cup champions as a dominant force favoring them to triumph over England.
