In anticipation of the Cricket World Cup in India next month, Australia has announced its provisional squad, featuring prominent names like Captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc.
All of these names took part in 2015 World Cup and have played together consistently for last 8-10 years. However, their participation in the big tournament has become quite uncertain due to various injuries which they have sustained in last few months.
Injury Hit Squad Expected To Recover Before World Cup
Pat Cummins has sustained a hand fracture, while Steve Smith is dealing with a wrist tendon injury that he copped during Lord’s test match against England. Glenn Maxwell is facing an ankle issue, for that reason, he had to withdraw from Australia tour of South Africa, things only have gotten more problematic as he is expected to miss Australia’s upcoming pre-world cup white ball series against India. Mitchell Starc is nursing a groin injury. Unfortunately, all four are absent from the upcoming ODI series in South Africa, which commences on Thursday.
Among the 15 players in the provisional squad, eight have previously represented Australia in the 2019 World Cup. These include Cummins, Smith, Maxwell, Starc, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, and Adam Zampa. Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh will play first time in the World Cup. Is is unlikely that Green will play over Marsh and with the current form Marsh is in, he definitely be in Australia’s World Cup playing eleven.
Chairman of the selection committee, George Bailey, expressed optimism regarding the injured players’ recovery, stating that Cummins, Smith, Starc, and Maxwell are progressing well in their return-to-play programs. There is a possibility that they may be considered for selection in the upcoming series against India. Bailey also highlighted that there are still eight one-day matches scheduled in South Africa and India before the final squad announcement. Additionally, two World Cup practice games will provide ample opportunities for players to prepare for the tournament.
Australia, with a remarkable history of winning the 50-overs World Cup five times, is gearing up for another shot at glory. The defending champion, England, secured victory in the 2019 edition by a contentious countback in the final against New Zealand. Australia won the World Cup back in 2015, since then a lot has changed. For a brief period of time, Australia had their struggles with ODI team but as it always happens, they find their peak form just before the World Cup.
The upcoming tournament is set to commence on October 5th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where England and New Zealand will face off. The final match is scheduled for November 19th at the same venue.
Australia’s provisional squad for Men’s ODI World Cup 2023
Australia provisional World Cup squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
