New Delhi
The five-time winner has showed exemplary resilience in navigating the tempestuous phase that nearly broke its back and spirit, and the recent away series victories againstIndia and Pakistan are proof of its never-say-die attitude.
The much-awaited return of David Warner and Steve Smith from their one-year bans has bolstered the team and boosted the morale of those, who will wear the yellow jersey in the United Kingdom.
The squad has completed its World Cup preparatory camp in Brisbane and headed to the United Kingdom via a stopover in the Gallipoli peninsula.
Located in the southern part of East Thrace, the European part of Turkey, Gallipoli peninsula holds great significance in Australia’s history as this was the place where 11,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers lost their lives in a disastrous Allied military offensive.
The most successful one-day side in history, Australia has lifted the trophy a record five times, including three consecutive wins between 1999 and 2007.
Winning three on the trot is no doubt unprecedented but such has been Australia’s dominance in the tournament that it emerged victorious even in the 1987 edition when it entered as rank outsider after the exodus of some of its best players.
Hosting the tournament for only the second time four years ago along with New Zealand, Australia was not overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy but it still became champion at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
It will not be surprising at all if the current team, captained by Aaron Finch, triumphs at the hallowed Lord’s on July 14.
It certainly has the wherewithal to go all the way and record what could be an unprecedented sixth title.
Warner’s year-long international exile has come to an end and with nearly 700 runs in the Indian Premier League, he has sounded a warning to rival bowlers bracing up for the mega event.
While he did not quite set the IPL on fire like Warner, Smith showed glimpses of his old touch in the three warm-up matches against New Zealand recently.
After finding form in the latter part of the IPL, Smith played well for unbeaten innings of 89 and 91, enough for Justin Langer to say he had “slept better”.
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