Building a World 11 capable of defeating 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup winners Australia

Pat Cummins led the Australian team win the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 by beating India in the final. Travis Head scored a terrific ton to break the hearts of billion Indian fans who had hoped to see Rohit Sharma and his side win the title. 

The Australians are currently in England playing a five-match ODI series. Despite Pat Cummins not being there, Mitchell Marsh has led the side well. The reigning world champions lead the series with 2-0 margin. 

With the kangaroos being in such dominant form, there is always a question who could stop them? India on current form look the most likely team that front up to the Aussie Challenge. But what if there was a World XI side made just to challenge the Australians?

Here is the likely World XI that is capable of defeating 2023 ODI World Cup winners Australia:

Openers – Rohit Sharma (Captain) and Pathum Nissanka 

Over the last 18 months, Rohit Sharma has elevated his game to the next level. The Indian skipper has been aggressive with the bat. His early intent with the bat has seen India reach the 2023 ODI World Cup finals and also win the T20 World Cup. His knock of 92 to send Australia packing was one of the best innings of the tournament. Pathum Nissanka has been one of the stand performers with the bat across formats in the last few months. The Lankan star bats well against the pacers and spinners and keeps the score ticking at all times. 

Middle-order – Virat Kohli, Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, and Mohammad Rizwan 

ODI cricket’s leading century-maker Virat Kohli will slot into the number three spot. His overall record against Australia will make him one of the key players of the side. Nicholas Pooran for his big-hitting ability against the spinners and pacers can bat at number 4. David Miller from South Africa is the ideal batter to play in the number 5 slot as he can change the course of the game in the middle order. The wicket-keeping slot will go to Pakistani player Mohammad Rizwan. His attacking shots and ability to score quick runs will be a huge plus for a prospective World XI side. 

All-rounders – Rashid Khan and Daryl Mitchell 

New Zealand star Daryl Mitchell can bat up the order or even lower down the order depending on the situation. The Kiwi player as he showed during the 2023 ODI World Cup can be counted to rise up to the challenge with the ball. Daryl Mitchell can also do well with the ball with his medium-pace bowling. Afghanistan star Rashid Khan will be a threat to any team on any surface. His bowling form has always been good and with the Aussies suspect against spin, Rashid Khan will be a key player for the team. 

Bowlers – Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami 

New Zealand seamer Trent Boult is a specialist with the new ball as he has the talent to pick wickets in the first few overs. The veteran pacer is also adept with his change of pace and Yorkers towards the end of the innings. The biggest threat for Australia will come from Jasprit Bumrah. India’s ace pacer has been at the top of his game and can change the game in any situation. The third pacer in the team will be Mohammed Shami who was the best bowler of the ODI World Cup. His pace and skills with the ball make Shami the complete bowler in world cricket right now.

Likely World XI to face Australia 

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Virat Kohli, Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah