Underdog tag will pose challenge to Australia at World Cup 2019: Michael Kasprowicz

Dubai: Former Australia paceman Michael Kasprowicz on Tuesday said in spite of recent setbacks, the defending champions can raise the game in time for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019.

Australia lifted the trophy in front of the home crowd in 2015, but since then the team has slipped to number six on the ICC ODI rankings. However, Kasprowicz, who is a non-executive director on the board of Cricket Australia, believes that the five-time champions know how to raise their game on the biggest stage.

"What is going to be really different for the Australian cricket team going into the World Cup is being the underdog, having the underdog tag around their neck," ICC quoted the former cricketer as saying.

The defending champions have missed out on Steve Smith and David Warner’s services but outside the two, the team has struggled.

"The last few World Cups, Australia have been among the favourites, having enjoyed so much success. So that is different for the team [and it is] going to be exciting to watch. We are with a new coach, a new captain and team environment. It is going to be good to watch,” Kasprowicz said.

The former paceman, who featured in 83 matches for Australia across formats, said that he was thrilled at the variety produced by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, whom he wants to lead the pace attack of Australia in the World Cup.

"In a team, if you have got variety, from left to right, from slingy to all sorts of different paths ... the subtle differences, different bowling actions, the different ways in which the ball comes out of the hands, that is the benefit. You do not want robots. That is what I have always loved. No two bowling actions are ever the same. No two body shapes have ever been the same. That is where you need to encourage that,” he said.

The much-awaited ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 is scheduled from May 30 to July 14 in England and Wales.