The George Bailey led Australian side are being watched closely by a unique set of eyes at the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh- an armed security force to ensure our World Cup aspirants don’t run into any unwanted trouble in the politically charged country.
A string recent deaths and violence from January’s Bangladeshi political elections has ICC World Twenty20 organisers taking no risks with some of the world’s best short form cricketers gathering in the country for the current World Cup.
As a result, the Australian squad are under the guard of a heavily-armed rapid response team everywhere they go. Sharing a hotel with the likes of the Irish and West Indian squad in Dhaka, all teams are being carefully monitored.
The Aussies kick off their ICC World Twenty20 campaign against Pakistan on Sunday in what they hope will be their first breakthrough on the T20 world stage.
Knocked out by India in the semi-finals of the inaugural World Cup and then disappointing runners-up to England in 2010, Australia have been unable to match their long running dominance over Test and ODI cricket, which has included impressive summer victories against England and more recently South Africa.
IPL big-money man Bailey thinks his side is in with a real chance against the 16-team line-up, telling reporters that all-rounder Shane Watson could prove to be Australia’s ‘X-factor’.
Bailey says Watson’s return to health ahead of the third Test against South Africa and a couple of promising bowling spells has the 32-year-old in the right form to help his country to a few wins.
“His value has always been that he can bowl at most stages of the game,” Bailey said, noting Watson, Australia’s best player at the 2012 T20 World Cup, has a better cast of supporting bowlers this time round.
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“In Bangladesh, we’ve got Cameron White who can bowl a few overs. Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch can bowl, as can Brad Hodge.
“It just gives you so many options and that’s always a handy thing to have.”
Watson scored 249 runs (average of 49.8) and took 11 wickets in the 2012 team that were knocked out by the West Indies in the semi-finals.
In other ICC World Twenty 20 news, hosts Bangladesh smashed Nepal in an eight-wicket victory to close in Group A’s top qualifying spot.
Australia share Group B of the Super 10 round with Pakistan, India, the West Indies and what now looks to be Bangladesh’s spot to lose in the qualifying run.
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