The T20 World Cup is the only ICC trophy Australia haven’t won. They are a five-time 50-over World Champions and winner of the 2009 Champions Trophy, but the T20 World Cup is a trophy that has eluded Australia since the first ever tournament took place way back in 2007. However, former captain Ricky Ponting believes the squad Cricket Australia announced has what it takes to go all the way this time around.
Australia are currently placed No. 6 in the ICC T20I rankings for teams and are coming off a forgettable 1-4 series defeat to Bangladesh. With concerns looming large over their performances and questions being raised at coach Justin Langer, pressure continues to mount on the team.
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Earlier in the day, a star-studded squad was announced for the global event, which marked the return of captain Aaron Finch and Steve Smith while youngster Josh Inglis earned his maiden call-up. The addition of the 26-year-old Inglis excites Ponting with the former captain praising the wicket-keeper batsman for his talent.
"Awesome to see Inglis get his opportunity in the squad, he's been scoring runs for fun and if Ellis is called on it's a great story for how far he's come since moving to Tassie. Overall, it's a brilliant squad of players that I think are capable of winning the World Cup," Ponting tweeted.
{{/usCountry}}"Awesome to see Inglis get his opportunity in the squad, he's been scoring runs for fun and if Ellis is called on it's a great story for how far he's come since moving to Tassie. Overall, it's a brilliant squad of players that I think are capable of winning the World Cup," Ponting tweeted.
{{/usCountry}}In the Vitality Blast, Inglis played for Leicestershire, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.27 and impressive strike-rate of 175.82, including an unbeaten 118 against Worcestershire. Inglis is currently playing The Hundred, where representing the London Spirit, he’s scored two half-centuries. Inglis received words of appreciation from the recently-appointed chairman of selectors, George Bailey, who spoke highly of the youngster and his hitting-skills.
"Josh has been on our radar for some time with his performances in white ball cricket and more recently in the Vitality Blast where he topped the run charts. He offers the squad flexibility in the batting order with his adaptability, counterattacking ability and power striking. He is a player we are excited about for the future," Bailey had said.