Team Australia's SWOT analysis ahead of 2023 ODI World Cup 

With the 2023 ODI World Cup less than a week away, fans around the globe are eagerly waiting to witness the biggest carnival of cricket. The battle of 10 teams will run from October 5 to November 19 across 10 vibrant Indian cities. With hosts India having the upper hand in the tournament, five-time champions Australia will also go in as one of the favourites.

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One of the cricketing giants, Australia is a completely different team in major tournaments. This time too they have a solid 15-member squad led by Pat Cummins. After leading the Aussies to victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) against India earlier this year, Cummins will look to repeat his heroics in the 50-over format.

As Australia prepare to begin their 2023 World Cup journey against the Men in Blue on October 8, let's do a SWOT analysis of the former champions.

Strength - Formidable pace attack, Quality all-rounders

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Australia have one of the strongest bowling attacks in the upcoming World Cup. Led by Mitchell Starc, their fast bowling unit includes lethal pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood who can trouble any world-class batters. Bagging 49 wickets in 18 matches, Stac is the fifth-leading wicket-taker in the World Cups and he is in red-hot form.

Another strength of the Kangaroos is the range of multi-dimensional player options. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green can win the match with both bat and ball. Their bowling all-rounder Sean Abbott can also contribute enough with his batting prowess, taking their batting depth deep.

Weakness - Injuries, Out-of-form batters

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Just before the deadline to finalise the World Cup squad, the Australian selectors faced a major headache after injuries to Travis Head and Ashton Agar. However, they will carry the injured Head through the first part of the marquee event, but bowling all-rounder Agar has been ruled out with a calf injury.

Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey and Cameron Green's recent lack of form with the bat will be a concern for them. David Warner, Mitchell Marsh and Head have been impressive with the bat in 2023, but it will be important for them to get runs from the players mentioned above, who are confirmed players in the starting XI.

Opportunities - Success in the subcontinent can be repeated

Australia's golden era began when the Allan Border-led side lifted their first World Cup in 1987, jointly hosted by India and Pakistan. In 1996, when the premier 50-over tournament was again played in the subcontinent, Australia finished as runners-up. However, apart from these two achievements and the 2006 Champions Trophy title, Australia could not enjoy much success in India. With the 2023 World Cup set to be held in India, Cummins and Co. have a chance to rewrite this.

Threat - Weak spin bowling attack

Indian pitches are spin-friendly and Adam Zampa is the only main spinner in the Australian squad. Although they have part-time options in the form of Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith, the absence of Ashton Agar is sure to hurt them. If Zampa gets injured at any point in the tournament, Australia will be in serious trouble.

Australia squad for 2023 ODI World Cup: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.