New Zealand v Australia - ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final 2021
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 14: Aaron Finch of Australia lifts the ICC World T20 Trophy with teammates after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final match between New Zealand and Australia at Dubai International Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
New Zealand v Australia - ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final 2021

Australia has a shot at history approaching; the chance to become the first team ever to defend the T20 World Cup.

Making it even more incredible would be that Australia's first-ever win in the tournament came last year when New Zealand were beaten in the final to become the sixth nation to win it.

But it will be hard; the start Australia made could not have been worse after New Zealand demolished the tournament hosts.

Thankfully, the green and gold bounced back against Sri Lanka, but there are still changes that can be made and may have to be made when we face England tonight and beyond, should the knockout stages be qualified for.

So here are three changes the selectors can make to improve the side.

1. Move Glenn Maxwell up the batting order.

The Big Show is often hampered while playing for Australia because he finds himself moving about the lower order and left far too often to succumb to a lost cause. But, of course, this doesn't need to be the case.

Maxwell has all the ability to be the best weapon; with his sheer big-hitting alone, he can be a game-changer. Moving him to bat around three or even as an opener, with Aaron Finch dropping down, could provide the side with a solid foundation instead of leaving it too late.

His detractors will say he's too reckless and that he throws away his wicket, so it's best to leave him late as a bonus or as a potential saviour, and to an extent, I agree with them, but with the side struggling the way it is against top teams, Maxwell being allowed to work himself into an innings more could save our campaign, especially when batting first under less pressure.

2. Deploy Cameron Green

Cam Green was added to the Australia squad just before the tournament started after a freak injury to Josh Inglis.

This change means the side will only have one recognised wicketkeeper in Matthew Wade, but it also means we gain one of our most exciting young players.

Green's form has taken a downfall somewhat after the highs of his efforts in India last month, but his sheer talent can't be questioned.

His addition means we can drop any of the all-rounders struggling for form. That pathway isn't clear right now, with Marcus Stoinis scoring an outstanding 59* off 18 balls against Sri Lanka, but Mitch Marsh failed to get out of the teens again, and neither took a wicket.

On paper, Green slots in perfectly if things turn for the worse again, and against a side like England, he may be a weapon that can't be left out. Mark Waugh's advice around dropping Pat Cummins for him could be an option too, but that's too bold for my blood.

3. Reinstate Steve Smith

One of the harshest stories of the World Cup is Steve Smith being left out of the Australian side for both matches, and it looks so harsh because he's a winner. He's won almost everything there is to win because he knows how to win, and you know he'll give it his all.

Yes, T20 is his weakest format, but with Tim David's lack of experience, surely Smith can add some much-needed guidance to the middle order in his place, especially considering he is a World Cup winner, and when he was in it, the side was capable of beating New Zealand.

This is not to knock Tim David; his omission would be harsh too, as he's not truly gotten a chance in this tournament. But his name is easiest to strike off, considering neither of them bowls, and it's David who has taken Smith's spot from the champion side of last year.