New Delhi: Pat Cummins has been named captain, replacing Marnus Labuschagne, as Australia unveiled their 18-man squad for the upcoming 2023 World Cup in India.
According to Cricket Australia, the lineup for their upcoming ODI series against South Africa and India, which will be played in the lead-up to the major competition, will remain the same. Before the competition, the preliminary squad should be reduced to a 15-player list.
After it was revealed that the fast bowler had played the fifth Ashes Test while possibly sporting a broken wrist, there were questions as to whether Cummins would be able to participate in their tour of India the following month.
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George Bailey, the chairman of Australia's selectors, has now acknowledged that Cummins has "an undisplaced fracture of his left radius which requires six weeks rehabilitation." He is anticipated to travel with the group, though, for their ODI series in South Africa later this month.
"We view a period of enforced rest for Pat as a positive ahead of this important World Cup campaign. There are still a number of games he could play before the World Cup which is more than enough for him to have a strong preparation," said Bailey.
Cummins has only twice captained Australia in ODI games, with his most recent appearance coming in November 2022. Marnus Labuschagne, one of the first names on the Australian Test teamsheet, has been disregarded in the meantime. Earlier this year, Labuschagne participated in Australia's ODI series in India. Labuschagne has averaged 31.37 in 30 ODI games.
The squad includes inexperienced all-rounder Aaron Hardie and uncapped leg spinner Tanveer Sangha. David Warner, whose performance has drawn criticism, particularly in Test cricket, is also included in the squad.
Although Australia may also consider Mitchell Marsh in the position given his aggressive performances against India earlier this year as an opener in Warner's absence, he is set to open the innings with Travis Head.
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A five-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa will begin on September 7. Before the World Cup begins, they will play a three-match ODI series against the Rohit Sharma-led team in India. "This side has been extremely impressive for several years in limited-overs cricket," said Bailey. “There is an enormous amount of skill and experience in the group, which you need in a World Cup.” Early in September, the ODI squad is expected to be reduced to 15, but changes are permitted until September 28, at which point they require ICC approval.
Australia squad for World Cup 2023:
Pat Cummins ( C), Sean Abott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
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