Lucknow
Former Australian bowler Brendon Julian has expressed his concerns about the Australian cricket team’s middle-order performance as they prepare for a crucial World Cup match against Sri Lanka. Australia has faced setbacks in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, losing their opening matches to India and South Africa, putting their semi-final prospects in jeopardy. Their middle-order, consisting of batters from four to seven, has collectively contributed only 109 runs at an average of 13.6. Julian emphasized, My concern is the middle order because in 2023, they have averaged 22. They are way down compared to all other nations. We are outside the top 15, and South Africa’s middle order is averaging 49. We only have one guy who has scored a hundred in that time. He believes that Australia’s middle-order struggles are the primary issue, with players not reading the game’s crucial moments correctly. Julian suggests that they should focus on building a competitive total rather than aiming for big scores and need to demonstrate sharper cricketing acumen. Additionally, Julian pointed out that Australia’s bowling performance has been affected by leg-spinner Adam Zampa, the sole specialist spinner in the squad. Zampa has not delivered impressive performances in the tournament, averaging 61 with the ball and taking only seven wickets. Julian suggested that having a backup spinner like Tanveer Sangha or Matt Kuhnemann would have been beneficial. Australia will face Sri Lanka in a crucial World Cup match as they strive to revive their semi-final hopes.
