Australia announces 18-member Squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Australia’s squad includes emerging talents like Aaron Hardie, Tanveer Sangha, and Nathan Ellis, while Marnus Labuschagne misses out.
The team is set to play five ODIs in South Africa, followed by three ODIs in India before the World Cup. Glenn Maxwell will skip the South Africa ODIs due to family leave, rejoining the squad in India. Captain Pat Cummins, recovering from a wrist fracture, plans to join the squad in South Africa during the ODI series, preparing for the India tour.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey mentioned Cummins’ wrist injury but sees the enforced rest as beneficial, with ample time for preparation before the crucial World Cup campaign. George Bailey, Chair of Selectors, revealed that Pat suffered a wrist injury while fielding on the opening day at The Oval. He has a non-displaced fracture of his left radius, necessitating six weeks of rehabilitation.
The expectation is for him to rejoin the team during the South African ODI Series. Bailey sees this enforced rest as a positive, considering it beneficial preparation for the significant World Cup ahead. There are several matches before the World Cup, offering ample time for Pat’s strong readiness. Before the ODIs commence, Australia is set to engage in a three-match T20I series against South Africa, during which key players will rest.
Mitchell Marsh will captain the alternate squad, which won’t feature Starc, Hazlewood, Warner, Cummins, and Green. In addition to his ODI inclusion, Hardie also secures a spot in the T20 squad. South Australia’s Spencer Johnson and Victoria’s Matt Short earn their debut in the national squad. Meanwhile, Jason Behrendorff returns for the first time since the 2022 Pakistan tour.
Marnus Labuschagne failed to seal a place in the Australia squad
“Mitch has assumed a senior role within the realm of white-ball cricket for a considerable duration, and this presents an occasion for him to enhance his leadership abilities on the international stage,” commented Bailey. “We eagerly anticipate his progression in South Africa. Aaron, Spencer, and Matt have consistently excelled in the BBL, earmarked as potential future national players.”
Aaron has left a strong impression during recent appearances for Australia A and the Scorchers, while Matt’s prowess has flourished with added responsibilities as a top-order player for the Strikers.
Spencer’s left-arm pace and bounce proved highly effective in his inaugural season with the Heat. This journey will undoubtedly serve as a remarkable experience for all three, offering them the opportunity to make their maiden appearances in national colours.
Australia Squad:
Pat Cummins (C), Sean Abbott, 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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