Predicted team of the tournament, Australian news, analysis, video, highlights

The World Cup Super 12 stage is on our doorstep, with Australia’s summer of cricket about to explode into gear.

To whet the appetite, we’ve come up with what we think will be the team of the tournament.

Some of the world’s best players in the format have missed, including Pakistan’s Babar Azam as well as India’s Virat Kohli.

Australia — the defending champions — have just three players who have made the XI while fast bowling trio Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who has excelled in the past two IPLs, have each been excluded.

Note: A preference of selecting players in their preferred position was taken into consideration, which effectively meant there was only room for two openers in the XI — thereby squeezing some of the world’s best talent out, including Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan.

PREDICTED TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

Jos Buttler (ENGLAND)

One of the stars of the 2021 T20 World Cup, Buttler looks set to have another dominate campaign.

He was on fire in the recent T20s against Australia, smoking a half-century in the opening match and continuing his form in the nation’s capital.

David Warner (AUSTRALIA)

Last year’s player of the tournament, Warner was central to Australia’s maiden T20 World Cup success.

Warner has been in fine form all year, and like Buttler was timing the ball sweetly against the West Indies and England earlier this month.

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Suryakumar Yadav (INDIA)

With half-centuries in three of his past four official T20 internationals, Yadav looks set to dominate the T20 World Cup.

Yadav has been a star in recent years in the IPL and looks to convert his from on the biggest stage.

Devon Conway (NEW ZEALAND)

The left-hander has really emerged over the past two years and averages more than 50 in T20 internationals.

Conway’s in good form and has scored runs all around the world.

Hardik Pandya (INDIA)

One of Shane Warne’s favourites, Pandya is a match-winner and he is someone who knows Australian conditions well.

Pandya can play a role in all three facets of the game.

Liam Livingstone (ENGLAND)

One of the top players in T20 cricket, Livingstone was the No.1 pick in this season’s Big Bash.

Livingstone’s spinners are underrated, but he can hit the ball into orbit and is a gun fielder.

The fact Livingstone has spent time in the Big Bash means he knows the Australian conditions well.

Marcus Stoinis (AUSTRALIA)

After a torrid time against up the top end of Australia in the spring, Stoinis looked in superb touch against England and is a genuine match-winner.

Stoinis was one of the star’s of last year’s World Cup.

Rashid Khan (AFGHANISTAN)

Mr Big Bash, Khan has lit up the Australian summer with his wrist spin and is someone who craves the big stage.

Kagiso Rabada (SOUTH AFRICA)

The South African quick edged out Australia’s Hazlewood. Rabada is quick, gets bounce and has been a star in the IPL in recent years.

The fast bowler is made for Australian conditions.

Adam Zampa (AUSTRALIA)

Zampa does not spin the ball as much as Khan, but his understanding, his ability to bowl under pressure and his knowledge of the home conditions should see him fire for Australia.

Trent Boult (NEW ZEALAND)

Left-armer who swings the ball at pace and has spent a decade at the top.

Boult’s ability to swing the ball and send down the perfect yorker saw him edge out Shaheen Afridi.