Australia, the World Cup champions for a sixth time – 2023 has seen one of the most remarkable paths to glory ever. Beginning with consecutive losses, the Aussies reeled off nine straight wins to reach the semi-finals, outlasted South Africa in a tense knockout game, and finally dismantled hosts India for a famous six-wicket win to claim the title once more. Notably, David Warner sealed his ODI legacy with another magnificent campaign, while Travis Head entrenched himself as a star of the game. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins started slow but came to the party when it was needed most, and Adam Zampa picked up 23 wickets in a stunning campaign. Glenn Maxwell also impressed in several games throughout the tournament. Here are The Roar’s Australian player ratings for the 2023 World Cup.
David Warner – 8.5
11 games, 535 runs @ 48.63, SR 108.29, 2 100s, 2 50s, HS 163
One of Australian cricket’s all-time greats, Warner’s spectacular World Cup performance helped turn around the team’s shaky start. His fielding was also impeccable and proved crucial in several matches.
Travis Head – 9.
6 games, 329 runs @ 54.83, SR 127.51, 2 100s, 1 50, HS 137
A gutsy move by Australia to keep Head in the World Cup squad despite his fractured hand ruling him out of their first five matches, Head spectacularly repaid the faith with crucial performances in the semi-final and the final.
Mitchell Marsh – 7
10 games, 441 runs @ 49, SR 107.56, 2 100s, 1 50, HS 177*
It was a boom or bust tournament for Marsh. Together with Warner, his 121 and 259-run opening stand against Pakistan announced Australia’s arrival as a World Cup force again. His unbeaten 177 against Bangladesh also made a difficult run chase look easy.
Steve Smith – 6
11 games, 302 runs @ 33.55, SR 80.96, 2 50s, HS 71
Smith is not the destroyer of worlds he was at his prime, and his performance was patchy. However, his half-centuries in big wins over the Netherlands and Bangladesh were his major scores.
Marnus Labuschagne – 7
11 games, 362 runs @ 40.22, SR 70.70, 3 50s, HS 71
Labuschagne has proved himself as a man who refused to let go of any opportunity. His patient unbeaten 58 in the final settled nerves after wickets fell freely, and he’s now earmarked as Smith’s long-term replacement.
Glenn Maxwell – 8
11 games, 400 runs @ 66.67, SR 150.37, 2 100s
Maxwell’s record-fastest World Cup century against the Netherlands and his double-century against Afghanistan cemented his legacy as a limited-overs champion. His most consistent influence in India was with the ball.
Josh Inglis (wk) – 6
11 games, 159 runs @ 19.87, SR 94.64, 1 50, HS 58
Brought into the team after one match, Inglis had his moments, particularly a half-century against Sri Lanka, and a significant 28 in the semi-final against South Africa.
Mitchell Starc – 7
11 games, 87 runs @ 12.42, 16 wickets @ 33, SR 32.62, economy 6.06, BB 3/34
Starc struggled initially but shone in the semi-final and final, taking precious wickets and contributing with the bat.
Pat Cummins – 7
11 games, 128 runs @ 32, 15 wickets @ 34.33, economy 5.75, BB 3/51
Despite criticism, Cummins’ performance was crucial to Australia’s World Cup win, particularly in unhelpful conditions.