“A Wow Batting Lineup”: Aakash Chopra Picks Australia’s Probable XI & Predicts Final vs India

As the cricketing world turns its gaze toward the subcontinent for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the mind games and tactical predictions have already begun. The tournament, set to commence on February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka, promises to be a test of spin, skill, and nerve.

Amidst the buzz, former Indian opener turned renowned analyst Aakash Chopra has turned his spotlight on one of the tournament’s most dangerous heavyweights: Australia.

In a detailed breakdown on his YouTube channel, Chopra didn’t just pick a playing XI; he unraveled a terrifying tactical philosophy. He predicts an Australian side that refuses to play it safe, a team packed with “strikers” from top to bottom, and a bowling attack that prioritizes specialist skills over reputation. Perhaps most intriguingly, he sees the tournament culminating in a blockbuster India vs. Australia final.

The “Wow” Batting Order: All Gas, No Brakes

Modern T20 cricket has slowly moved away from the concept of an “anchor”—a batter who holds one end up while others attack. According to Chopra, Australia is ready to kill that role entirely.

Chopra describes the Australian batting lineup as a “Wow” unit, primarily because of its depth and aggression.

“In batting, the strategy is very simple. There is only one anchor. Everyone else is a striker… Everyone remains absolutely ready to hit fours and sixes,” Chopra observed.

The Projected Top 7:

1. Mitchell Marsh (c)
2. Travis Head
3. Josh Inglis (wk)
4. Cameron Green
5. Marcus Stoinis
6. Glenn Maxwell
7. Tim David

Tactical Analysis:

This lineup is a nightmare for opposition captains. Travis Head, arguably the most destructive opener in world cricket, sets the tone. With Mitchell Marsh likely partnering him or coming in at 3 (depending on the specific match-ups), Australia ensures that the Powerplay is maximized.

The middle order is where the “all-striker” theory truly comes alive. Glenn Maxwell and Tim David are renowned for their ability to clear the ropes from ball one. Marcus Stoinis, who recently recovered from an injury scare in the BBL, provides the muscle.

Chopra notes that only Josh Inglis and perhaps Cameron Green offer semblance of traditional “anchoring” ability, but even they strike at elite rates. The message is clear: Australia will not be looking for 180; they will be hunting 220 every time they bat.

The Bowling Dilemma: Nathan Ellis over Spin?

Playing in India and Sri Lanka usually tempts teams to stack their side with spinners. However, Chopra has made a bold call in his predicted XI, backing pacer Nathan Ellis over left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann for the No. 9 spot.

The Proposed Bowling Unit:

8. Pat Cummins

9. Nathan Ellis (Preferred over Kuhnemann)

10. Josh Hazlewood

11. Adam Zampa

Why Nathan Ellis?

Chopra’s preference for Ellis highlights a crucial aspect of T20 cricket in the subcontinent: the Death Overs. While spin wins matches in the middle overs, pace variations win matches at the death.

• The Skiddy Specialist: Ellis is not a traditional express pacer. He is a “skiddy” bowler with an exceptional back-of-the-hand slower ball and accurate yorkers. On sluggish subcontinental tracks, his cutters often grip the surface, making him harder to hit than a conventional spinner.
• The Cummins Factor: With Pat Cummins batting at No. 8, Australia has deep batting resources. Cummins also offers high-quality pace, but Ellis brings specialist death-bowling skills that allow Cummins and Hazlewood to operate more aggressively with the new ball.

“My vote will probably go towards Nathan Ellis because bowling is required in death overs,” Chopra reasoned.

The Road to the Final: Avoiding the Semi-Final Clash

One of the most interesting aspects of Chopra’s analysis is his prediction of the tournament’s climax. He foresees a potential India vs. Australia Final.

This isn’t just a hunch; it’s based on the tournament structure.

• Group Dynamics: Australia is placed in Group B.
• Super 8 Projection: If both India and Australia advance as expected, they are slated to be in the same Super 8 group.
• The Semis Loophole: Usually, teams from the same Super 8 group do not meet in the semi-finals (Group 1 Winner plays Group 2 Runner-up). This means if India and Australia dominate their Super 8 group, they will likely be on opposite sides of the semi-final draw, setting up a potential reunion in the Final.

Adapting to Subcontinental Conditions

The biggest challenge for this “ultra-aggressive” Australian unit will be the conditions in India and Sri Lanka.

• Spin Threat: With only Adam Zampa as the specialist spinner (and Maxwell/Head as support), Australia is light on spin compared to teams like India or Afghanistan. They are betting on their pacers (Hazlewood, Cummins, Ellis) to use cross-seam deliveries and cutters effectively.
• Batting against Turn: The “hit everything” strategy works well on the flat tracks of Australia or high-scoring venues like Wankhede. However, on a turning track in Chennai or Colombo, this approach can lead to a collapse. Chopra’s analysis suggests Australia is willing to take that risk, trusting their power to hit spinners off their length before the turn comes into play.

The Verdict: A Team Built to Dominate

Aakash Chopra’s predicted XI portrays an Australia that is confident, dangerous, and tactically stubborn. They aren’t trying to copy the Asian style of play; they are bringing their own brand of “Heavy Metal Cricket” to the subcontinent.

By backing specialists like Nathan Ellis and trusting the explosive power of Tim David and Glenn Maxwell, Australia is signaling that they intend to take the World Cup by force. If Chopra’s prediction holds true, fans should gear up for a historic showdown on March 8.

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted Australia XI

Note: Matthew Kuhnemann remains the spin backup option depending on pitch dryness.