On September 1, 2022, Australia became the first of the 16 teams to announce their squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup. As defending champions – they won the trophy less than a year ago – and hosts, they will be among the favourites to win the tournament this time. They have an abundance of middle-order hitters, many of whom are also bowling options, such is their depth they can afford to leave Steve Smith out from their first choice starting XI in favour of 2021 World Cup final hero, Mitchell Marsh.

Having been named initially in the squad, Josh Inglis was ruled out just days before Australia’s opening match against New Zealand after a freak golfing injury which left him with a cut on his right hand. He has been replaced by all-rounder Cameron Green who was controversially left out of the original squad despite his excellent form with both bat and ball. The decision to replace back-up keeper Inglis with Green does however mean Australia are lacking in the keeper department should Matt Wade go down with an injury at any point in the tournament. David Warner and Aaron Finch both have keeping experience at junior levels and could fill in for Wade if required.

Finch might have retired from ODIs, but he has found form in Twenty20 Internationals before he announced his retirement, in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The batting depth allowed him to hit out at the top, and he struck at 176 in India as well. David Warner will join him at the top, but Australia may find it difficult to accommodate Steve Smith.

In Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Adam Zampa, Australia have one of the strongest bowling attacks in the world. All four are capable of breaking through at any point in the innings. With an assortment of all-rounders to fill in, Australia boast of one of the best-rounded attacks in the tournament.

This year, Australia beat Sri Lanka at home 3-1 before winning 1-0 in Pakistan and 2-1 in Sri Lanka. Their sole defeat in a series was the 1-2 in India earlier this month. A record of 7-4 is reasonable, though New Zealand (9-1), India (21-7), and South Africa (6-3) have done better.

Australia finished runners-up in 2010, in the West Indies, and won T20 World Cup in 2021, in the UAE. This time, they are placed in Group 1 of the Super 12s, along with Afghanistan, England, and New Zealand. They will be joined by the table toppers of Group A and the runners-up of Group B from the First Round. Australia will play their Super 12s matches on October 22, 25, 28, and 31, and November 4.

Australia squad: T20 World Cup 2022

Batters

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steven Smith

Wicketkeepers

Matthew Wade

All-rounders

Ashton Agar, Tim David, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green

Bowlers

Pat Cummins (vc), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson