With the last date for finalizing the squad for World Cup 2023 ends on September 28, Cricket Australia has replaced Ashton Agar due to his calf injury.
Marnus Labuschagne in Australia’s World Cup Squad
Australia recently completed a three-match ODI series against India where the latter took the series 2-1. They are preparing for the upcoming World Cup which is set to begin on October 5 in India.
Left-arm spinner Agar was picked up in the preliminary squad on September 6. But he had a calf injury on Australia’s tour of South Africa and he was ruled out of the series. He was also not part of the squad which played against India.
When asked about the update in the squad George Bailey said, “There has been one change to the original preliminary squad of 15 announced a month ago with Marnus replacing Ashton,”
On the other hand, the terrific batter Travis Head has been included in the squad despite his injury. The team management hopes for the recovery of the player in the middle of the tournament.
“This was a tough call but unfortunately, we couldn’t carry both Travis and Ashton into the tournament with the injuries they have,” Chief of Selectors George Bailey said.
“We have made the decision to carry Travis through the early stages with the aim of him being available around the middle part of the tournament. He has been a really important player in this ODI team and we are hopeful his return can provide a positive impetus as it gets to the business end of the tournament.
With the recovery of Mitchell Starc and Maxwell, Australia team management is confident about the squad’s strength and winning the tournament.
“Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are progressing well through the rehabilitation of their respective injuries and it was pleasing to see them return to the playing eleven last night,” he added.
Matt Short and Tanveer Sangha will remain in the squad until the end of Warmup matches. Australia has warmup matches against the Netherlands on September 30 and will be facing Pakistan on October 3 at Chennai.
Australia will be playing their first World Cup match against India on October 8 at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Australia squad for World Cup 2023
Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
