Australia are World T20 favourites: Swann

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has nominated Australia as the team to beat at the ICC World T20 in India, which begins in earnest tonight.

Australia have not won the World T20 from five attempts and it remains the only major tournament to elude them.

Steve Smith's side are in the tricky Group 2 of the Super 10s stage of the tournament, alongside hosts and the favourite of many pundits India, 2015 World Cup finalists New Zealand, Asia Cup finalists Bangladesh and 2009 winner Pakistan.

While Swann said there are question marks about Australia's bowling attack in the subcontinent, he has tipped 2016 to be their year due to the "savagery" of their start-studded batting line-up.

"No team has more brutal batting power," Swann wrote in The Sun. "The likes of Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Shane Watson and Aaron Finch are all match-winners.

"There are question marks about their bowling in subcontinental conditions. The brilliant Mitchell Starc is injured and they have no top-quality spinner but their savagery with the willow and T20 experience via the IPL and Big Bash more than compensates.

"Australia are like Germany in football. Nobody really likes them but they are always there. This time, I reckon they will lift the trophy."

The Super 10s stage gets underway tonight when India take on New Zealand in Nagpur while Australia begin their campaign against the Black Caps in Dharamshala on Friday.

Apart from Australia, Swann nominated India as one of the main contenders to lift the trophy, identifying their spin attack led by Ravi Ashwin and batting star Virat Kohli is their key men.

While he doesn't believe England will win the tournament, he praised their aggressive nature and says star allrounder Ben Stokes "could be one of the sensations of the tournament".

Swann has also heavily criticised the return of Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Amir, who made his comeback to international cricket this year following a lengthy ban for spot-fixing.

Amir was one of three Pakistan players banned after being found guilty of fixing during a Test match against England at Lord's in 2010, a match Swann played in.

Amir has generated plenty of hype in the early stages of his comeback having been a standout performer for Pakistan at the recent Asia Cup.

But Swann says his return to the game sends the wrong message.

"I played in that game at Lord’s and I’m not a fan of his coming back," Swann wrote.

"Cricket could have done more to deter match-fixing and, by letting him play again, it sends out the message that players can get involved in corruption, serve a ban and return when still young men. Amir is only 23.

"But he is undeniably a talented bowler and an important component in Pakistan’s mercurial team."

Read Swann's column in The Sun here