With the upcoming New Zealand tour of Australia postponed due to travel concerns, it has left a bit of a hole in the international schedule this summer.
Enter former Australian cricket Theo Doropoulos who had the fantastic idea on Twitter to bring back the Australia vs Australia A clashes from yesteryear.
Now that New Zealand sadly isn’t coming over for the One-Day series, it’s time…
Australia vs Australia A.
Full kits. Yellow vs Green. Banners made from bedsheets. Mullets, and grounds around the country cheering for the underdogs. pic.twitter.com/5B78Wa25SE
— Theo Doropoulos (@TheoDrop) January 19, 2022
Doropoulos’ idea got us thinking what those sides would look like now, and we’ve delved into both the ODI and T20 formats below and selected our 1st and 2nd XIs for each.
AUSTRALIA ODI TEAM
1. David Warner
ODI record – 5,455 runs @ 45.45, 18 centuries
An easy selection for the first XI.
Warner has dominated in all three formats for over the past decade, blasting 18 tons in ODI cricket for Australia.
2. Ben McDermott
ODI record – 28 runs @ 14
A controversial selection over incumbent captain Aaron Finch, but there’s no hiding from the fact he has struggled for consistent runs in the past couple of years and turned 35 a couple of months ago.
McDermott on the other hand is in blistering form, dominating in the Big Bash this season and mounting a huge case to be promoted to the Australian side.
Averaging just under 50 in List A competition with four centuries to his name, now is the time to cement McDermott as the long-term opener for Australia in white-ball cricket.
3. Marnus Labuschagne
ODI record – 473 runs @ 39.41, 1 century
Has cemented himself as the best Test batsman in the world this summer, and has already performed well in ODIs in his 12 appearances to date.
Labuschagne already has a century to his name in international white-ball cricket, and is fantastic form in Test cricket, making him an easy choice at No.3 here.
4. Steve Smith (c)
ODI record – 4,378 runs @ 43.43, 11 centuries
Another easy selection for Australia – and with Finch out of our mock side, Smith will take over the captaincy as well.
With an average above 40, 11 centuries to his name and a record in international cricket that is rivalled by very few, Smith locks in the No.4 spot for Australia with relative ease.
5. Glenn Maxwell
ODI record – 3,230 runs @ 34.36, 2 centuries
A man in ridiculous form right now, Maxwell finished near the top of the BBL|11 runscorers, highlighted by his two centuries throughout the season.
The big-hitting right-hander has been a staple of the Australian white-ball setup for many years, and there’s no reason why that won’t continue when he is hitting them so cleanly.
Maxwell also adds an extra bowling option, with his tidy off-spinners producing solid results.
6. Mitchell Marsh
ODI record – 1,672 runs @ 33.44, 1 century
The hero in the T20 World Cup final in late-2021, Marsh appears to be in career-best form with bat in hand and deserves to be included in this side.
His record in 50-over cricket is solid as well and has a century to his name already for Australia, and similarly to Maxwell, can add an extra bowling option.
7. Alex Carey (wk)
ODI record – 1,203 runs @ 36.45, 1 century
This was a tough one and a bit of a toss-up between Carey and Josh Inglis, but the Test keeper deserves to keep his spot for now.
With an average in the mid-30s and plenty of confidence after an Ashes series win, Carey should be the man to take the gloves for the time being.
8. Mitchell Starc
ODI record – 195 wickets @ 22.45
One of the first names on any Australian white-ball team sheet.
Starc has a tremendous record in ODIs, highlighted by his 8 career five-fas, as well as his performances in the 2015 World Cup.
9. Pat Cummins
ODI record – 111 wickets @ 28.78
He’s the Australian Test captain, and while his record in ODI cricket is only modest to date, there’s no way he isn’t getting picked.
Cummins is the best red-ball bowler in the world, but has already amassed over 100 wickets with the white ball and only an idiot would leave him out.
10. Adam Zampa
ODI record – 97 wickets @ 32.11
Arguably the best T20 bowler in world cricket, Zampa is a fixture of the Australian white-ball setup and has cemented himself as the nation’s No.1 spinner.
Zampa’s career record in ODIs is solid enough to keep him ahead of Ashton Agar for now, and his recent performances in the T20 World Cup have only helped his cause.
11. Josh Hazlewood
ODI record – 93 wickets @ 25.08
After missing out for the majority of the recent Ashes series, Hazlewood is an easy selection for the ODI team if he’s fit.
The big quick starred in the T20 World Cup, and has really evolved as a white-ball bowler in the past 18 months.
AUSTRALIA A ODI TEAM
1. Aaron Finch
ODI record – 5,232 runs @ 41.85, 17 centuries
His record is fantastic, but Finch is out of form and doesn’t have a lot of cricket left in him. Although it’s perhaps time to look to the future, his leadership and experience for this conept would benefit the A-side.
2. Josh Philippe
ODI record – 65 runs @ 21.66
Has been a standout in domestic cricket for the past few seasons, particularly in the Big Bash, and has already had a taste of international cricket.
3. Matthew Wade
ODI record – 1,867 runs @ 26.29, 1 century
His record in ODIs isn’t great, but Wade has been in good form in T20 cricket for both Australia and Hobart Hurricanes.
4. Josh Inglis (wk)
List A record – 711 runs @ 32.31, 7 fifties
Only a modest record in domestic 50-over cricket, but Inglis is clearly a player that Australian selectors have high hopes for and he’s shown he is a class player already.
5. Travis Head (c)
ODI record – 1,273 runs @ 34.40, 1 century
Performed well in The Ashes, looks in great touch and has plenty of experience already in ODIs. Australia have looked to him as a leader in the past, and this would be a good opportunity for him to show his skills.
6. Marcus Stoinis
ODI record – 1,106 runs @ 31.60, 1 century
Probably unlucky not to be in our first XI for the ODIs, but was just pipped by Mitchell Marsh. Has a century to his name in 50-over cricket and can provide important overs with the ball.
7. Daniel Sams
List A record – 260 runs @ 26, 18 wickets @ 26.33
There are plenty of players who could be used in this spot, but Sams has been involved with the Australian side in T20s already and has been a standout in the Big Bash in recent years with both bat and ball.
8. Ashton Agar
ODI record – 14 wickets @ 49.57, 236 runs @ 23.60
Has had his chances in ODIs and never really cemented his spot, but is the clear No.2 behind Zampa as Australia’s white-ball spinner. Can also provide handy lower-order runs.
9. Sean Abbott
ODI record – 2 wickets @ 54.50
Has only had limited opportunities in the Australian side, but is a domestic standout and has been in red-hot form for Sydney Sixers in recent years.
10. Jhye Richardson
ODI record – 24 wickets @ 28.75
The clear next in line for Aussie quicks in 50-over cricket, as well as Test cricket. Richardson is an exciting prospect and will play plenty of international games in his career, if he is able to stay fit.
11. Kane Richardson
ODI record – 39 wickets @ 31.79
A veteran of the domestic scene, Richardson never lets you down. An honest bowler with plenty of tricks up his sleeve, and is always there or thereabouts in an Australian squad.
AUSTRALIA T20 TEAM
1. David Warner
T20I record – 2,554 runs @ 32.74, 21 fifties
An easy selection for the first XI in the T20 format as well – especially after winning Player of the Tournament in the recent World Cup.
Warner has dominated in all three formats for over the past decade, blasting 21 half-centuries in T20 cricket for Australia.
2. Ben McDermott
T20I record – 164 runs @ 13.66
A controversial selection over incumbent captain Aaron Finch, who despite leading Australia to T20WC glory in late-2021, is struggling for runs and nearing the end of his career.
McDermott on the other hand is in blistering form, dominating in the Big Bash this season and mounting a huge case to be promoted to the Australian side.
Averaging in the mid-30s in domestic T20 cricket and scoring two centuries for the Hobart Hurricanes in BBL|11, now is the time to strike while the iron is hot.
3. Mitchell Marsh
T20I record – 885 runs @ 31.60, 6 fifties
The hero in the T20 World Cup final in late-2021, Marsh appears to be in career-best form with bat in hand and there is no way he would lose his spot now.
Marsh averages over 30 in T20 internationals, and has definitely cemented himself as the long-term No.3 in this format.
4. Steve Smith
T20I record – 863 runs @ 26.96, 4 fifties
Althought he’s not the greatest T20 batsman in the world by any means, Smith can play an important anchor role in this format at times and is obviously as skilful as they come.
Smith would probably be the man most in danger of holding a spot in Australia’s T20 side, but for now he’s done enough for us to select him.
5. Glenn Maxwell (c)
T20I record – 1,844 runs @ 30.73, 3 centuries
Arguably the best T20 batsman in the world, Maxwell is in scintillating form and is coming off one of the most insane knocks you will ever see, scoring 154* in the Big Bash.
He is also going to captain our side here in the absence of Finch, having done the job for the Stars for many years and has shown great tactical nous.
6. Marcus Stoinis
T20I record – 456 runs @ 28.50, 1 fifty
Only boasts a modest record in T20 internationals, but has done enough to keep his spot and is an incumbent from the T20 World Cup-winning side.
Stoinis is also a great character to have around the group, and can bowl important overs when fit.
7. Matthew Wade (wk)
T20I record – 729 runs @ 20.82, 3 fifties
The incumbent keeper, despite not wearing the gloves for Hobart Hurricanes, Wade is always going to be around this squad and can bat anywhere in the order and provide valuable runs.
He’s a great leader as well, making him an integral part of the side.
8. Mitchell Starc
T20I record – 60 wickets @ 22.68
One of the first names on any Australian white-ball team sheet.
Starc has a tremendous record in ODIs and is averaging in the low-20s in T20 internationals. While he struggled in the T20WC, he hit back with a fantastic Ashes series against England.
9. Pat Cummins
T20I record – 42 wickets @ 22.38
He’s the Australian Test captain, and while his record in T20I cricket is only modest to date, there’s no way he isn’t getting picked.
Cummins is the best red-ball bowler in the world, but has already amassed over 100 wickets with the white ball and only an idiot would leave him out.
10. Adam Zampa
T20I record – 65 wickets @ 21.15
Was the star of the show in the recent T20 World Cup, and has established himself as Australia’s No.1 white-ball spinner.
And if we are being honest, his only rival to being the best T20 bowler in the world right now is Rashid Khan.
11. Josh Hazlewood
T20I record – 32 wickets @ 22.09
After missing out for the majority of the recent Ashes series, Hazlewood is an easy selection for this team if he’s fit.
The big quick starred in the recent T20 World Cup, and has really evolved as a white-ball bowler in the past 18 months.
AUSTRALIA A T20 TEAM
1. Aaron Finch
T20I record – 2,608 runs @ 35.72, 15 fifties
His record is fantastic, but Finch has struggled for consistent runs in recent years. He did find some runs late in the season for the struggling Renegades, but it wasn’t enough to hold out the red-hot Ben McDermott.
2. Josh Philippe
T20I record – 138 runs @ 13.80
Has been a standout in domestic cricket for the past few seasons, particularly in the Big Bash, and has already had a taste of international cricket.
3. Jason Sangha
T20 record – 562 runs @ 33.05
After a breakout campaign for the Sydney Thunder in Big Bash cricket, Sangha is beginning to show his unbridled potential and the 22-year-old will play for Australia – it’s just a matter of when.
4. Moises Henriques (c)
T20I record – 355 runs @ 20.88
Henriques is a veteran in Australian cricket, and has been performing extremely well for the Sydney Sixers. Also has plenty of leadership experience and could be given a crack to lead this side over Finch.
5. Josh Inglis (wk)
T20 record – 1,690 runs @ 30.17, 11 fifties
Boasts a very solid record in domestic T20 cricket, and Inglis is clearly a player that Australian selectors have high hopes for and he’s shown he is a class player already.
6. Daniel Sams
T2OI record – 54 runs @ 27, 4 wickets @ 39
Sams has been involved with the Australian side in T20s already and has been a standout in the Big Bash in recent years with both bat and ball.
7. Ashton Agar
T20I record – 43 wickets @ 21.53
Agar is the clear No.2 behind Zampa as Australia’s white-ball spinner, and has a solid record in T20 internationals. Can also provide handy lower-order runs.
8. Sean Abbott
T20I record – 4 wickets @ 37.50
Has only had limited opportunities in the Australian side, but is a domestic standout and has been in red-hot form for Sydney Sixers in recent years.
9. Nathan Ellis
T20I record – 5 wickets @ 10
Has been fantastic for Hobart Hurricanes in recent BBL seasons, was a part of the T20 World Cup squad and has already tasted international honours. A fine bowler with plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
10. Jhye Richardson
T20I record – 13 wickets @ 32.76
The clear next in line for Aussie quicks in both 50-over and Test cricket – and perhaps even T20s as well. Richardson is an exciting prospect and will play plenty of international games in his career, if he is able to stay fit.
11. Mitchell Swepson
T20I record – 11 wickets @ 15.72
We’ve gone with two spinners in this Australia A XI, given the fact Sams would bat in the top six and can easily bowl four overs if required. Swepson has been involved in squads for many years, but unfortunately has only been afforded limited opportunities.