Picking a T20 Squad

Twenty20 cricket is a phenomenon that has gripped the cricketing world and turned the entire landscape on its head.

The month-long domestic Big Bash competition concluded less than a week ago and it was a raving success this season. With three Internationals around the corner and even (another) World Cup in April, is Australia going to start getting serious about it?

Australia is seeded below Bangladesh for this World Cup – BELOW BANGLADESH!! Our Twenty20 record is woeful with just 11 wins from 24 matches. We pick ODI sides, 50 over cricketers, and that’s why we fail.

Starting with the fixture against Pakistan next week we need to pick a proper Twenty20 side full of guys with experience and success in T20 cricket. Note – this does NOT include guys like Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson.

These guys simply don’t play enough T20 cricket. Clarke is our T20 captain yet has only played a total of 25 matches ... With IPL and all the domestic competitions some cricketers play nearly 25 matches per season! Cameron White for example has played 57 T20 games, and with a fairly decorated domestic captaincy record he is the guy that should lead our International charge.

I have come up with 15 players that should go to the World Cup and be considered for T20 selection this summer. The list is based on my own observations with all players having had good experience and success at T20 level. The players, in batting order, are listed below:

Tim PAINE (wicket-keeper): He is just as good a keeper as Haddin and has batted well this summer. He opened for Tasmania and with International experience already looms as my first ‘keeping’ choice.

David WARNER: This game is made for Warner, as we all know. When he’s on song it really is a case of fireworks; making him a ‘must’ for any T20 side.

Shane WATSON: Player of the IPL tournament just two seasons ago and a key member for Queensland in the past. His form this summer warrants selection in any side.

David HUSSEY: Big game experience and loads of talent but yet to deliver for Australia. A spot at the top with added responsibility will bring out his best. Triple threat with batting, bowling and fielding.

Cameron WHITE (captain): Has the experience, winning record and talent for this form of the game. He is the logical choice as captain and will transfer domestic success to the big stage.

Adam VOGES: Had a decent season for WA with the ability to bat smart should the situation require it. A good figure to have in a run chase or capable to hold up an end and keep the scoreboard ticking.

Steven SMITH: His power hitting can be breathtaking and had a couple of good wicket-taking games this season. A big hope on him for the future in all forms and T20 is a good gateway.

Nathan HAURITZ: His form for NSW in the Champions League wins him this spot. Well known and respected Internationally now and can complement the bowling attack nicely.

Nathan RIMMINGTON: Has been the spearhead for Queensland since T20 first came to this country some 4-5 years ago. He gets swing, takes wickets and bowls yorkers. If long-term domestic form counts for anything he must at least be in the squad of 15.

Shaun TAIT: Fast, furious and takes wickets. Tait will often swing the new ball at pace and taking wickets is the best defence in this game. T20 is right up his alley.

Doug BOLLINGER: A close call but has done reasonably well in past seasons. After a breakthrough International summer he probably should go on this tour to further cement himself.

Now for the reserves, all capable of slotting in to the main eleven ...

Dirk NANNES: He is another wicket taker and probably one of the more feared and respected bowlers on the domestic scene. He has tasted T20 Internationals and plays well under White.

Brad HODGE: Has a wealth of experience full stop but also has a great record in T20. Regarded as one of Australia’s better T20 batsmen and should at least be in the squad, if not the main team.

Lee CARSELDINE: Had a disappointing season by his high standards but past form should be considered. Carseldine is a left-hander and equally capable of all-out attack or consolidation.

John HASTINGS: Victorian all-rounder who has proven a wicket-taker and lower-order thumper this season. Maybe a project player but worth taking on the tour.

Fringe Players:
James Hopes, Shaun Marsh, Ryan Harris, Mark Cosgrove, Aaron Finch, Aaron Heal, Dan Christian, Brendan Drew.

There’s my squad of 15, including 5 Victorians. The Bushrangers have played in all five Big Bash finals and won four of them so they must be doing something right. I would like at least one more left hander in the top six but no one springs to mind and it might also be handy to have a more defensive bowler there too.

I’m not saying for a second the Australian T20 squad will look like this, in fact there’s no chance it will. Clarke will captain the side and it’s likely to include Mike Hussey, Haddin and Johnson at least. They’re all fine players, but they’re not T20 players.

If we’re serious about Twenty20 and still serious about winning World Cups then Australia needs a squad of players with proven success in T20 cricket.

Any thoughts, comments or arguments can be sent to my email – andrew.keyte@gmail.com – as we await the first T20 squad of the year to be announced early next week.

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