Australia has made one change as star batter Marnus Labuschagne will be included in the squad for the tournament replacing Ashton Agar. With the 28th September deadline for making changes, they made use of it. After an impressive knock in the 3rd One-day international against India at Rajkot on 27th September, Australian selectors bought a talented batter into the 15-member squad for the prestigious tournament beginning from 5th October.
Labuschagne has been in sensational form off late with a match-winning unbeaten knock in the first One-day international against South Africa. Coming as a concussion substitute, he showed his class and scored unbeaten 80 unbeaten 80 that helped Australia register a superb 3-wicket win. His form continued with another superb 124 runs knock in the 2nd One-day international that helped Australia post 392 for 8 in 50 overs.
“There has been one change to the original preliminary squad of 15 announced a month ago with Marnus replacing Ashton,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “This was a tough call but unfortunately, we couldn’t carry both Travis and Ashton into the tournament with the injuries they have.
Labuschagne finished as the leading run scorer in the One-day international between Australia and South Africa played on South African shores. He made 283 runs from 5 matches with 1 century and 1 half-century to his name including the best score of 124 runs in the 2nd One-day international.
Labuschagne looked in decent touch during the first One-day international against India at Mohali. He struggled during the 2nd ODI at Indore before proving his worth in tough conditions in Rajkot. It was a superb effort by Labuschagne scoring 72 off 58 deliveries with 9 boundaries to his name.
Australia registered a consolation 66 runs victory over India in the 3rd ODI at Rajkot. Thanks to contributions by David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, the Aussies team posted 352 for 8 in 50 overs. In reply, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli scored fifties but were not able to convert into big scores. It was a disappointing batting performance as India were bowled out for 286.
Marnus Labuschagne to play a key role in the middle-order
Marnus Labuschagne will play a key role for the Australian team in the World Cup 2023. He can play the spinners well and has quick running between the wickets that can trouble opponent bowlers.
Australia will begin the World Cup 2023 against India on 8th October at Chennai. Marnus Labuschagne has made 421 runs in the last 8 ODI matches and would be looking to continue his impressive form during WC 2023.
Australia’s updated ODI squad for WC 2023
David Warner, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (C), Alex Carey (WK), Josh Inglis (WK), Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.