'Adam Zampa, Mitchell Marsh Will Be Vital To Australia's Chances In World Cup': Mike Hussey

Former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey believes spinner Adam Zampa and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will play a crucial role in the team's bid to clinch the World Cup in India later this year. Leg-spinner Zampa, 31, was first picked in Australia's limited-overs squad in 2016 and since then has played 79 ODIs taking 131 wickets. With Indian conditions expected to favour spin bowling, Hussey believes Zampa would be the go-to bowler for Pat Cummins' side.

The wrist spinner with a skidding stock delivery played a vital role in Australia's maiden T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE in 2021, finishing with 13 wickets at an economy rate of just 5.81.

"Adam Zampa could play a big role for Australia throughout the tournament," said Hussey on Friday.

"He has been really good over the last few years." The former cricketer added that the confidence with which Marsh is playing, he could have an enormous impact on the team's fortunes.

"And I think Mitch Marsh is someone that can certainly have a big impact. He has been given a great role, batting in the top three now and he is playing with enormous confidence. So, if he gets his confidence up, he can be a really tough man to stop." Hussey was part of the Australia side that lifted the 50-over World Cup in 2007 in the West Indies and more recently was part of England's coaching setup during their winning campaign in the T20 World Cup last year.

He also cautioned that Australia will require the services of seniors like Steve Smith to supplement the efforts of Zampa and Marsh.

"You can't rely on just one or two key players to win you a World Cup and it's going to take a collective effort. But I think for Australia to do really well, they need their big guns to really step up and I guess when