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Marnus Labuschagne ignored, Pat Cummins confirmed as captain as Australia announce preliminary squad for 2023 World Cup
Cricket Australia has said that the squad will be the same for their upcoming ODI series against South Africa and India.
Marnus Labuschagne has been ignored while Pat Cummins has been confirmed as captain as Australia revealed an 18-player squad for the upcoming 2023 World Cup in India on Monday. Cricket Australia has stated that the squad will be the same for their upcoming ODI series against South Africa and India which will be played in the run-up to the marquee tournament. The preliminary squad is expected to be pruned to a 15-player list before the tournament.
There had been doubts over whether Cummins would be able to play in their tour of India next month after it was reported that the fast bowler had played the fifth Ashes Test with a suspected broken wrist. Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey has now confirmed that Cummins has "an undisplaced fracture of his left radius which requires six weeks rehabilitation." However, he is expected to join the team 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 last played an ODI match in November 2022 and has captained Australia in the format in just two matches. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, who is among the first names in the Australian Test teamsheet, has been ignored. Labuschagne had played in Australia's ODI series in India earlier this year. In 30 ODI matches, Labuschagne has averaged 31.37.
Opening options
Uncapped leg spinner Tanveer Sangha and inexperienced all-rounder Aaron Hardie have been included in the squad. David Warner, who has been under the scanner for his form, particularly in Test cricket, also finds a place in the squad. He is set to open the innings with Travis Head, although Australia could consider Mitchell Marsh in the position as well considering his belligerent performances against India earlier this year as an opener in Warner's absence.
Australia tour South Africa for a five-match ODI series starting on September 7. They will then travel to India where they play the Rohit Sharma-led side in a three-match ODI series before the start of the World Cup. "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.” Selectors expect to trim the ODI squad to 15 in early September, but can make changes up until September 28, after which any changes require ICC approval.
Australia squad: 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
