The Contenders - Australia

Australia will be playing this world cup to extend their unbeaten streak at world cup. Ricky Ponting have had many lows in his career especially as a captain like losing Ashes under his captaincy 3 times which is a notorious feat not touched by any Aussie captain. 

After the recent loss to England in Ashes series, Australia wouldn't be in the best of mood and under immense pressure to live up to the expectation of the Aussie fans and their World Cup Winner's reputation.

Batting

Aussie batting have been very inconsistent in last couple of years which have lead to the downfall in their performances. The only player scoring consistently, with the bat and bowl, is Shane Watson and Aussies will be heavily depending on him to score as he have been exceptional in the sub continent. Other than him the Hussy(Michael and David) brothers will be the most dependable players. Both the Hussy brothers have performed especially in the important matches and they have the ability to bat down the order and take the team to good totals and the best thing about both of them is that they can play with the lower order batters very well.

Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke will also have to contribute as they have been due since a long time now. Ricky Ponting will also been one of those legendary players who won't be playing the next world cup, so this does becomes an important world cup for him for obvious reasons.

Tim Paine and Brad Haddin, both wicket keepers, so won't be expecting both of them to be part of the playing eleven. However, i think who ever makes it, chances of Haddin are better, will be opening the batting with Watson. Steven Smith is the all rounder they'll be carrying and will be playing an important role as a regular leg spinner and batter down the order.

Cameron White would also be an X factor if Australia wins this world cup. The big hitting middle order batsman is a big asset to the team and have been performing pretty good recently.


Bowling

Aussie bowling may looking a bit weak but you can never predict them. Doug Bollinger is my fav pick among the bowlers especially after his performance during the last year's IPL while playing for CSK. He has done good in the sub continent compared to any other Aussie bowler. Then, Mitchell Johnson is another player who's been inconsistent in the recent past and was also dropped from one of the Ashes match but made a great return. Then, we also have Brett Lee coming back in to the side after a long time. He has performed well in the recent matches he has played but i would still have picked Peter Siddle. Any who, moving on. John Hasting's inclusion was also a surprise especially with Ryan Harris sitting on the side lines. Another any who, moving on. Shaun Tait is also another fast, really fast bowler who can be lethal on the day when he hits the correct line because usually he is not.

Nathan Hauritz will be commanding the slow bowling department and again i have nothing to say. It's not because he is a bad bowler but his inclusion in the side feels like Aussies don't have any bench strength in the spin bowling department. Nathan Hauritz had a horrible tour of India last year. Steven Smith and David Hussy will his spin bowling partners.


Fielding

Aussies have always been a good fielding side. This Aussie side is also a good fielding side with Ricky Ponting, Clarke et. al. It's hard to find a bad fielder from this side. May be John Hasting but i'm only giving his name because i haven't seen much of him.

My three fav picks from this Aussie side are: - Shane Watson, Cameron White and Doug Bollinger

Ricky Ponting (Captain)   
Doug Bollinger
John Hastings   
David Hussey    
Mitchell Johnson
Tim Paine
Shaun Tait    
Cameron White
Michael Clarke (Vive Captain)
Brad Haddin (Wicket Keeper)
Nathan Hauritz    
Michael Hussey    
Brett Lee
Steven Smith    
Shane Watson