World T20 Match Preview, Australia vs Ireland:

How the mighty have fallen.

There have been only two completely dominant powerhouse teams in cricket.

The West Indies of Roberts, Garner, Marshall, Holding, under Clive Lloyd, with Viv Richards.

And the Australians of the 1980-1990s.

Once the most-feared team in cricket – and completely dominant, Aussie cricket is going through what was once thought to be a transition phase.

That is in danger of now turning in to a full-blown crisis.

The Aussies slipped to 10th place in the ICC rankings this year, for a bit.

There is no better time to face Australia if you’re looking to beat them and Ireland probably know that.

There are a few ‘unknown’ Aussies out there ready to make a name. Shane Watson and David Warner will probably be the key men, but after that from captain George Bailey to guys like Cummins, Starc, Mckay, and Glenn Maxwell all have to bring glory back to the baggy green and yellows. And more than glory that fear that teams had when they faced the Aussies.

The fear factor is well known to two former Test players now in Ireland’s backroom - ex-Australia paceman Craig McDermott and West Indian Phil Simmons.

Ireland have Kevin O'Brien having compiled the fastest-ever hundred in the 50-over World Cup during Ireland's stunning win over England in Bangalore last year.

William Porterfield is captain and one of several county cricketers in the squad.

Tim Murtagh will front a seam attack boasting Australia-born veteran Trent Johnston.

And then there is George Dockrell, 20. A spinner who could be very tricky on Sri Lankan pitches.

Bailey feels Australia's biggest danger will come from within.

"Australia are our biggest threat. If we rock up ready to play and play as well as we can, then I don't think there's a threat [from Ireland]," he said.

Verdict: Ireland to give Aussies a serious scare

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