Troy Martin - My Best Australian T20 XI not to play T20 cricket
Troy Martin | June 24, 2023
If you could pick any player from Australi0a’s rich cricketing history to represent Australia in the up-and-coming men’s T20 World Cup, who would you pick?
The criteria? The player can have represented Australia in other formats, but not T20.
Is there an XI from Australia’s past that could match it with the world’s best male T20 players?
1. Victor Trumper
Going way back to the (first) Golden Era of Australian Test cricket, we have Trumper opening the batting. From all accounts, particularly Gideon Haigh’s seminal work Stroke of Genius, he would find the cookie cutter pitches of the T20 era very accommodating.
2. Mark Waugh
He just missed the birth of T20 as a serious format. Classical in his approach, he is the antithesis of the T20 professional. Imagine how he would milk or attack the spinners opening the bowling in T20. His fielding could be the difference.
3. Dean Jones
No explanation required.
4. Doug Walters
One of the most laconic figures in Australian cricket, he would be encouraged to play his natural aggressive game. Quality fielder and gentle medium pace could be a good change up. You’d imagine he’d keep the team grounded and relaxed in the T20 circus.
5. Steve Waugh
The All-Rounder Early Version, with the accurate medium pacers with the back of the hand slower ball; a brilliant outfielder.
6. Keith Miller
No finisher required in T20, it would be Miller to be the third seamer and hard-hitting all-rounder to balance out the team.
7. Richie Benaud
The Captain. He’d be able to innovate in the field, offering a leg spin option in the attack. An attacking captain and bowler.
8. Alan Davidson
The left-armer bowler/all-rounder from the post-World War II period. Davidson would bring seam and swing to the attack. Could handle the bat too
.
9. Ian Healy
The keeper in T20 is vital. Taking all chances is a must, so too keeping byes to a minimum. Under the intense pressure of T20, Healy would be a natural fit.
10.Dennis Lillee
D.K Lillee would lead the attack. Before or after back injury, either version of Lillee would provide accuracy and aggression.
11. Glenn McGrath
Across his stellar career, McGrath was able to adapt. From his early days with natural speed, coupled with the steep bounce, to the late career accuracy and relentless line. Throughout his career he worked hard on his fielding and that would be valuable in the T20 format.
