First look: Australia

Australia start the WC as the most favorites as they did in 1992 (coming in as defending champions then). Their record in ODIs played at home especially is very good. The quarter-final loss against India in 2011 must be hurting the players who pride themselves in performing well in this tournament having won it four times already.

A look at the squad ....

Aussie squad has embarrassment of riches. They've so many options/combinations they could play that it is going to be hard to find in starting XI. If Michael Clarke becomes fit and leads the team then it's going to be very hard to accommodate all three recent captains: him, Bailey and Watson.

Strengths -

It is a very strong team when you can see proven quality performers leading batting and bowling. Warner & Finch followed by Watson is an explosive top order. In the middle-order they've Clarke, Bailey and in-form Smith. That followed by a lower order that could consist of Marsh/Maxwell, Haddin and Faulkner. Johnson and Starc can smash the ball too and they are lethal with one in their hand. Cummins/Hazelwood provide good pace support with good seam bowling all-rounders. They also run well between wickets which is very important in big Australian grounds and are a good out-fielding side.

Weaknesses - 

The only chink in the armor is dearth of quality spin options.Doherty is steady at best and Maxwell can chip in a few overs. It's not a big-deal given the conditions and they may choose not to play a frontline spinner based on conditions. 

Prediction - Australia are going to be the team to beat this WC and they will most likely lead their group. They may face a relatively weaker Group B opponent in that case which will make them a certainty in final four. Given their record in big games in Australia, it will take a team to play its top game to beat this side in their own backyard from then on.