After a chaotic 2018, the Australian cricket team faces a defining year. The 2019 schedule features a World Cup and an Ashes series in England, offering a crucial chance for redemption. This path back to glory heavily relies on the controversial return of suspended stars Steve Smith and David Warner, as the team looks to win back matches and the trust of their fans.
A Tumultuous Year and a Chance for Redemption
The shadow of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal has loomed large over Australian cricket, leading to a period of intense scrutiny and poor results. However, 2019 presents a packed schedule that serves as the perfect opportunity for the team to turn a new page under coach Justin Langer.
Before the team heads to England for the winter’s main events, they will face stiff competition in back-to-back one-day series against powerhouse India and a tricky Pakistan side. These matches will be a critical test of the squad’s form and mentality. This intense preparation is designed to sharpen the team ahead of the two most significant tournaments in the cricket calendar.
The focus is clearly on rebuilding and peaking at the right time. Here is a look at the key campaigns for the Australian team in 2019.
| Event | Opponent / Location |
| ODI Series | India (Home) |
| ODI Series | Pakistan (Away) |
| Cricket World Cup | England & Wales |
| The Ashes Series | England |
The Return of the Banned Duo
The biggest boost for Australia will undoubtedly be the return of Steve Smith and David Warner. Both players are nearing the end of their 12-month suspensions and are expected to be reintegrated into the national setup ahead of the World Cup.
From a purely cricketing standpoint, their inclusion is a no-brainer. Warner, an explosive opening batsman, has nearly 4,500 ODI runs at an average over 44. Smith, a master technician, is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. However, their returns are viewed differently by the public. Smith is often seen as a reluctant participant who failed in his duty as captain, while Warner was identified as the main architect of the scandal.
Despite his ban from international and Australian domestic cricket, Smith has kept himself match-fit by playing in various T20 leagues around the globe.
- Inaugural Canada Global T20 tournament
- Caribbean Premier League for the Barbados Tridents
- Bangladesh Premier League (cut short by injury)
Both players are recovering from recent elbow surgery but are slated to return to competitive action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before rejoining the national squad.
World Cup Hopes and Hurdles
Despite their troubles over the last year, Australia will enter the World Cup as the reigning champions and one of the tournament favorites. They famously lifted the trophy on home soil in 2015 after a dominant performance against New Zealand in the final.
This time, hosts England and a powerful Indian side are widely tipped by bookmakers to be the front-runners. Australia’s recent form in one-day cricket has been inconsistent, adding to the challenge.
However, the team possesses a crucial advantage that others lack. Australia’s deep-rooted experience of winning World Cups, especially with the return of proven performers like Warner and Smith, may well be the difference when the pressure is at its highest. A victory in the World Cup would be a monumental achievement and a huge step toward healing the wounds of the past year.
Facing the Fire in the Ashes
Following the World Cup, the intensity will only increase with a five-match Ashes series in England. This year’s contest is one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with both teams having shown vulnerabilities in Test cricket.
While England has struggled on the road, they are a formidable force in their own conditions. The veteran pace-bowling duo of Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad remains a significant threat, especially against an Australian batting line-up that has appeared fragile at times.
Beyond the on-field battle, the Australian team must prepare for a hostile reception from the English crowds, which will surely be amplified by the ball-tampering incident. If the players can successfully block out the noise and handle the pressure, they will have gone a long way toward taking control of the series. Failure to do so could result in a very long and difficult tour.
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