Australia has announced its 18-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against India, scheduled to begin on September 22, providing a significant boost with the return of key players. Captain Pat Cummins, along with several other integral team members, is set to make a comeback in the three-match series.
The Australian team had been grappling with various injuries following a grueling Ashes series and subsequent matches. Pat Cummins and Steve Smith were sidelined due to wrist injuries, while Mitchell Starc was nursing soreness in his groin and shoulder after his stint in the UK.
ALSO READ
In another piece of good news for the Australian squad, Glenn Maxwell, who had initially been part of the South Africa tour but had to return home due to an aggravated ankle injury during T20I training, has been declared fit and will join the team for the India tour.
Cameron Green, who had missed three ODIs against South Africa following a concussion in the first game, has successfully followed an eight-day concussion protocol and is now ready to return to action against India.
The squad for the India tour includes some notable names: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, and Adam Zampa.
However, there are a few omissions worth noting. Travis Head and Ashton Agar will not be part of the squad. Ashton Agar had suffered a minor calf tear prior to the South Africa tour and missed the T20I series. Although he featured in the first ODI, he was subsequently left out of the playing XI for the next two games and returned to Australia for the birth of his first child.
Travis Head’s situation is even more critical, as he’s in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup. He’s set to fly back home to Australia after fracturing his hand during the fourth ODI. Surgery is being considered as one of the options for his recovery. With the World Cup beginning in just three weeks, Head’s participation remains uncertain.
The upcoming ODI series holds immense significance for both teams as it precedes the Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India starting on October 5. Australia has until September 28 to make any changes to the World Cup squad, subject to approval by the ICC.
Also See: 2023 – 2024 India Cricket Schedule
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
Get every cricket update! Follow us on
