Cricket: Coulter-Nile to spearhead Aussie attack

Josh Hazlewood has anointed Nathan Coulter-Nile the leader of Australia's attack at the World Twenty20.

Hazlewood is one of the first men picked in the national test side but the 25-year-old says he doesn't hold a candle to Coulter-Nile when it comes to the shortest format.

"He's the real leader in this format," Hazlewood said.

"He's flying at the moment and is bowling good pace. He'll have a big say in this tournament.

"It's good to have that fresh bowler around the group lifting us to try to compete with him."

Australia start their World T20 campaign against New Zealand in Dharamsala on Friday, when Hazlewood is expected to be left out of the side.

Coulter-Nile will play a crucial role in not only that match but Australia's entire bid to win the one major tournament they never have.

The paceman is the fastest bowler in their 15-man squad and is set to bowl in the opening powerplay, when the field is up and the runs flow freely.

Mitch Marsh nominated Coulter-Nile as Australia's key bowler at the tournament.

Marsh also hoped there were even more rewards to come for his Western Australia teammate.

Coulter-Nile was on the cusp of test selection during the past summer when he dislocated his shoulder.

Marsh suggested an unlucky streak of injuries was the only thing stopping Coulter-Nile from playing at the highest level.

"If Australia can have him on the park over the next four or five years he's going to play a lot of cricket for Australia," Marsh said.

"Not only in the short format, but in the longer format as well.

"He's a great bowler. He's extremely skilful. He bowls good pace.

"Hopefully he can stay injury free and I'm sure he's going to perform extremely well [in the World T20]."

Australia will train at Dharamsala's HPCA Stadium for the first time on Wednesday.

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