6 Takeaways From the Pakistan-Australia ODI Series

#2 Australian Bowling

Pat Cummins would lead the Australian bowling attack in the World Cup

With Mitchell Starc not playing in this series, once again the opportunity presented itself to the group of Aussie bowlers who are fighting amongst themselves to book their place in the side. The likes of Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Kane Richardson and Jhye Richardson, all had an opportunity in these matches.

But none of them really grabbed it with both hands. Jhye Richardson suffered an injury that cut short his series while others too, didn’t come up with a defining performance. Pat Cummins made just one appearance in the entire series and in that too, asserted his brilliance.

It is clear that Cummins is among the best bowlers in ODI cricket at the moment and would lead Australia’s bowling attack in the World Cup. Mitchell Starc is certain to be his partner but who would be the third seamer remains a mystery. This is the only remaining piece in the jigsaw puzzle of the Australian World Cup team.

On the spin bowling front, there was a continuation of what we saw in the India series. Spin bowlers in ODI cricket of modern-day can be divided into two types. Aggressive wicket-taking spinners – likes of Adil Rashid and Yuzvendra Chahal – and those who maintain a good economy rate – for example, Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja.

Australia has found a spinner each of both types. Zampa has remained consistent with his wicket-taking and continued to improve as a leg-spinner. Lyon’s consistency and accuracy have made him a dependable commodity to keep the batsmen honest in middle overs.

On top of that, Maxwell’s off-spin came in very handy too. It would be interesting to see if Australia opt to have both Zampa and Lyon in the playing XI during the World Cup. But they are very likely to be in the squad.

Apart from the third seamer spot, the rest of the bowling line-up seems pretty clear for the defending champs.