Watson predicts winner and makes big Aussie selection call 50 days out from T20 World Cup

Watson, who was in Perth for 50 days-to-go celebrations on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, took to the skies in a helicopter, stopping for quokka selfie at Rottnest Island, before taking part in a traditional indigenous smoking ceremony.

Watson then headed back up in the chopper to Perth Stadium, where fan groups of the five teams confirmed to play in Perth gathered to get a glimpse of the prized T20 World Cup trophy.

Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa will all feature across five Super 12 fixtures in Perth.

Speaking with fans on 50 days-to-go, Watson predicted Australia to defend their title on home soil and that the Aussies would make just one change to their squad from 2021, by adding power-hitter Tim David.

"I'd select him for sure," Watson said about David.

"He's a gun. What I've seen from him in recent times, especially in the IPL under extreme pressure, is the power game that he has and that will add another element to Australia's batting, especially at the back-end of the game. I love watching him bat.

The firepower he will provide in the back-end of the game with Maxwell, Wade and Stoinis - no bowler will be wanting to bowl to those guys at the back-end of a game."

Meanwhile in Sydney, Australian cricketer and T20 World Cup Multicultural Ambassador, Usman Khawaja was at Sydney Harbour as the flags of all 16 competing teams were flown over the city and its world-famous landmarks, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

"While Australia are the hosts of the event, this will be a home World Cup for people of all different backgrounds no matter where they are from," Khawaja said.

"We’ve seen tickets sell out for the India and Pakistan match with over 80% of those fans living here in Australia. This shows how big the opportunity is for cricket to engage fans of all different backgrounds to be part of the Australian Cricket family"

Additional standing room tickets were sold out to the highly anticipated India v Pakistan match at the MCG on Sunday 23 October.

Over 800,000 fans are anticipated to attend the T20 World Cup with children's tickets to all Super 12 matches available for just $5, while adult tickets start from $20.