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Australia Champions will look to bounce back strongly when they take on Bangladesh Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 7. The fixture is listed as the seventh match in the user’s requested sequence, although the official WCL match centre currently labels it as Season 3 Match 5. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM UAE time (5:00 PM IST).
The Australia Champions squad boasts considerable experience, with the likes of David Warner, Chris Lynn, Usman Khawaja, D’Arcy Short, Ben Dunk and Nathan Coulter-Nile available for selection. Warner was named captain for the 2026 season, while the Australians started their campaign against India Champions with Usman Khawaja leading the side.
With Bangladesh also possessing a strong group of former internationals, Australia are likely to field a balanced combination featuring explosive batting, all-round options and experienced bowlers.
David Warner could return to the playing XI after missing Australia’s opening fixture against India Champions. The veteran left-hander is the designated captain of the Australia Champions squad and remains one of the most destructive batters available in the tournament.
Warner’s aggressive approach in the powerplay makes him a natural choice to open the innings. His ability to dominate pace and clear the short boundaries at Sharjah could be particularly valuable.
Khawaja is expected to retain his place at the top of the order. He captained Australia against India and was part of the confirmed XI in that fixture.
The left-hander can provide stability alongside Warner while also accelerating once he gets set. His ability to rotate the strike could complement Warner’s attacking style perfectly.
Chris Lynn is another player Australia could bring into the XI. The big-hitting batter was rested for the opening match but is part of the 2026 squad.
Lynn’s presence would significantly strengthen Australia’s middle order. If he bats at No. 3, he can maintain the tempo established by the openers and put pressure on Bangladesh’s spinners.
D’Arcy Short played Australia’s opening match and is likely to retain his place. He offers Australia an additional left-handed batting option and can also contribute with his left-arm spin.
His ability to perform two roles could prove important in a tournament where teams need flexibility in their combinations.
Ben Dunk should continue behind the stumps. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter was part of Australia’s confirmed XI against India Champions.
Dunk’s experience in T20 cricket makes him a valuable middle-order option. He can switch gears quickly and provide the finishing impetus required in the final overs.
Callum Ferguson is another likely starter after featuring in Australia’s opening XI.
The experienced batter provides composure in the middle order and can be particularly useful if Australia lose early wickets. Ferguson’s presence also gives the batting unit a reliable option between the aggressive top order and finishers.
Nathan Coulter-Nile should lead the pace-bowling unit. He featured against India and offers Australia an important combination of pace, experience and lower-order hitting.
At Sharjah, his ability to vary his pace and use cutters could make him a dangerous option during the middle and death overs.
Kane Richardson is likely to retain his place after playing the opening fixture. His experience in T20 cricket makes him one of Australia’s most dependable bowling options.
Richardson’s variations and ability to bowl at the death could be crucial against Bangladesh’s experienced middle order.
James Pattinson could make his return to the XI after being among the players who did not feature against India.
The former Australia fast bowler brings aggression and pace to the attack. His new-ball spell could be particularly important against Bangladesh’s experienced opening combination.
Fawad Ahmed is expected to retain his place as Australia’s frontline spin option. He was included in the XI against India Champions.
The leg-spinner could have an important role at Sharjah, where changes of pace and spin through the middle overs can create problems for batters looking to attack.
Andrew Tye could complete Australia’s bowling attack. Although he did not play the opening game, he is part of the squad and offers a specialist death-bowling option.
His slower balls and variations could make him especially useful in the latter stages of Bangladesh’s innings.
David Warner (C), Usman Khawaja, Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short, Ben Dunk (WK), Callum Ferguson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Kane Richardson, James Pattinson, Fawad Ahmed, Andrew Tye
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