Australia are primed to break their World Twenty20 duck having picked their strongest ever squad for the tournament in Bangladesh, according to all-rounder Shane Watson.
The 32-year-old has been part of Australia’s four unsuccessful attempts to win the only major trophy eluding them and was adjudged player of the tournament in 2012 when his team went down to eventual winners West Indies in the semi-final.
Darren Lehmann, who guided domestic sides to Twenty20 league victories both in India and Australia, has since been appointed coach of the team, who will land in Bangladesh as one of the favourites.
“We’ve got the most balanced side and balanced squad I’ve ever been involved in,” Watson told reporters ahead of the second Twenty20 International against South Africa on Wednesdsay.
“We really do have firepower consistently all the way in our batting order, down to number 10 even.
“Bowling-wise we’ve got options, from high quality opening bowlers, to high quality death bowlers and high quality spinners.
“We have versatility. In all conditions, against any opposition we can match up really well.”
Australia will kick off their World Twenty20 campaign against 2009 champions Pakistan on March 23 at Mirpur’s Sher-e Bangla National Stadium.
Watson acknowledged the unpredictability of the Twenty20-over format but insisted there were enough players in his side who can single-handedly change the course of any match.
“Twenty20 cricket is certainly fickle, but if you have a lot of match-winners in your team then you’ve got more of a chance of it being someone’s day. We certainly got that in our squad for sure.”
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The six points:
1. Ministers should be in the field, instead of always at conferences
2. Foreign diplomacy must be left to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation
3. Emiratisation is a top priority that will have a renewed push behind it
4. The UAE's economy must continue to thrive and grow
5. Complaints from the public must be addressed, not avoided
6. Have hope for the future, what is yet to come is bigger and better than before
