Smith, Cummins and Pucovski? What sort of team could Australia put out for the 2023 World Cup?

KISHAN VAGHELA examines The Cricketer crystal ball and looks at how the five-time winners of the tournament might look in four years time after their semi-final exit to England

D'Arcy Short

The 28-year-old will undoubtedly be given further chances in home conditions to impress and if he continues his BBL form he should eventually force his way into the side. Has played just four ODIs for Australia so far without much success but certainly an option to try and supplement the eventual loss of power in the opening stand once Aaron Finch and David Warner call it a day.

Will Pucovski

Took a break from the Test game due to ongoing mental health concerns, but there is no doubt that Pucovski not only will make it eventually in the longer format due to his consistency in the Sheffield Shield, and that he can convert such domestic excellence on to the one-day stage as well. 

Steve Smith

Despite the fact that he will be coming towards the end of his career. it is difficult to see how Australia will be able to look past their anchor. Always rises to the challenge on the big occasion with the bat and will probably remain the fulcrum of the batting lineup.

^{D'Arcy Short has so far failed to impress in Australian colours}

Peter Handscomb

Being thrust into a semi-final against a roaring England side was never going to be the easiest of tasks, but Handscomb has shown ability with bat in hand in limited-overs cricket, particularly in India where the next World Cup will be held. Questions linger over his technique, but he arguably be in the prime of his career by the time the next edition of the tournament swings around.

Alex Carey

The discovery of this World Cup behind the stumps for Australia and a sheer revelation. What a skilled allround talent Carey is, and given that he will be 31 in four years time, there is only one direction in which this swashbuckling player's career is likely to head. 

Jason Sangha

Calls for the 19-year-old to be called up to the Australian side after a few Sheffield Shield centuries were vociferous, but despite being touted as a future star, he has kept his nerve on the biggest of stages so far, starring for Sydney Thunder in last year's BBL. A possible replacement for the ageing Glenn Maxwell, last year may have just been the beginning of the rise of another Australian superstar.

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Max Bryant

Another youngster seemingly with a penchant for striking the ball out of the park, Max Bryant sheer force while rarely losing his shape was demonstrated in emphatic fashion in the BBL as he smashed his way to 71 off just 30 balls for Brisbane Heat. He may open the innings for the franchise, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest Australia could look to him as the final piece of the batting jigsaw. 

Pat Cummins

Will likely lose his partner in crime Mitchell Starc to age at the next World Cup, but Cummins has already demonstrated his ability to lead the bowling attack by himself when the time comes. He took 14 wickets at this year's World Cup, and seems to regularly thrive in subcontinent conditions. Could also provide some handy runs down the order.

Billy Stanlake

His form has dipped in recent times but there is little to suggest that the lanky seamer will not regain some of his confidence which has been snatched away from him by injuries. Has significant experience of T20 franchise cricket and while Indian pitches may not offer the pace and bounce he often extracts from the surfaces in Australia, his IPL stints would mean he would be a valued member of the attack.

^{Peter Handscomb could be a key part of the middle order}

Lloyd Pope

The legspinner's greatest challenge currently seems to be avoiding comparisons to Shane Warne, however should Pope enjoy the same sort of meteoric rise that the aforementioned great experienced then he may well be selected ahead of Adam Zampa, who will be in his early 30s in 2023, after the latter's unconvincing tournament in England and Wales.

Jhye Richardson

Had to withdraw from the squad for this year's World Cup due to a shoulder injury, but it is difficult to see how the quick will be left out if he is fully fit in India. The 22-year-old's whippy action makes him an excellent ally for Cummins and the pace he can generate could trouble any batsman in world cricket. Don't believe for a second that the absence of Starc results in a less frightening pace attack.

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