ICC World Cup 2019: Two players from each team who could make a big impact

#3 Australia

Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell - The genuine match winner for Australia

Glenn Maxwell is the real match-winner for Australia in white ball cricket. But he hasn’t got as many opportunities in the past. A big hitter like a Maxwell can’t be expected to be consistent in his batting. His inclusion to the World Cup squad was in doubt before Australia’s tour of India.

In the second T20I against India at Bengaluru, the right-handed batsman played one of the best innings ever played in a T20I, smashing 113 off 55 balls with 7 fours and 9 sixes. After that Bengaluru innings, Maxwell has looked a different player in every outing.

Now that his place in the World Cup squad is almost sealed, one would find his batting in a different league with the more frequent match winning knocks on the cards. He is crucial for Australia's chances of retaining the World Cup in England.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc - The Champion bowler for Australia

Mitchell Starc was Australia’s bowling hero in World Cup 2015. He was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 22 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 10.18 and economy of 3.50. Starc’s form and fitness dipped after World Cup 2015. But with his pace and consistent swing, he is still considered the best in the business.

In the last 3 years, Starc has taken 55 wickets ODI wickets. He is yet to play an ODI match in the current year due to fitness issues. But, if fit, he will be a certainty in Australia’s squad for the World Cup.

Australia should be looking forward to Mitchell Starc’s form and fitness in their quest to retain the World Cup in England.