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Australia have maintained a consistent core of players across formats, resulting in strong team chemistry and regular performances. Their recent victories in the T20 World Cup in 2021 and the World Test Championship (WTC) against India in 2023 highlight their versatility and success in different formats. As they set their sights on the 50-over World Cup scheduled for October-November 2023 in India, Australia have unveiled a provisional 17-member squad.
However, this period has also seen the omission of several players who played key roles in the 2019 ODI World Cup. Like many other cricketing teams, Australia have undergone a transitional phase. They have implemented significant changes in both their pace bowling attack and batting lineup.
Here are the seven Australian players who made crucial contributions in the 2019 ODI World Cup but won’t be part of the 2023 ODI World Cup squad:
Seven Australian cricketers omitted from the 2023 ODI World Cup lineup
1. Aaron Finch
Aaron Finch, the former captain of the Australian cricket team, was a standout performer in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Finch’s aggressive and dynamic batting at the top of the order set the tone for Australia’s campaign. He amassed a total of 507 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 50.70, making him the fifth-highest run-scorer in the tournament. His remarkable centuries against Sri Lanka and England were pivotal in Australia’s victories. Finch’s leadership skills also shone as he played a crucial role in Australia’s T20 World Cup win in 2021. His retirement earlier this year marked the end of an era in Australian cricket.
2. Peter Handscomb
Peter Handscomb‘s journey in the 2019 CWC was unexpected and brief. Initially left out of the squad, he was called up as an injury replacement for the semi-final against England. In that crucial game, he faced a formidable English bowling attack and could only manage to score 4 runs. Nevertheless, it was his final innings in the 50-over format for Australia. Handscomb didn’t find a spot in the provisional squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, signaling a shift in Australia’s plans.
3. Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja emerged as a key opener for Australia in the 2019 World Cup. His stylish and consistent batting at the top of the order was a significant asset. Khawaja amassed 316 runs in nine games at an outstanding average of 63.20. His highest score of 104 against Sri Lanka showcased his ability to anchor the innings and provide solid starts. Nonetheless, he is no longer in contention for Australia in white-ball cricket and primarily focuses on Test cricket.
4. Kane Richardson
Kane Richardson, a part of Australia’s pace bowling unit in the 2019 World Cup, played a supporting role in the team’s campaign. In three matches, he secured five crucial wickets at an average of 21.80. While his contributions were limited due to competition within the pace attack, his presence added depth to Australia’s bowling resources. Richardson last played an ODI for Australia in 2020 and has faced challenges since then in regaining his form. He also lost the Cricket Australia’s central contract in 2022.
5. Nathan Coulter-Nile
Nathan Coulter-Nile showcased his versatility as an all-rounder for Australia in the 2019 World Cup. He contributed effectively with both bat and ball, scoring 98 runs and taking four wickets in five fixtures. Coulter-Nile’s memorable innings of 92 against the West Indies highlighted his potential as a game-changer with the bat. Although, his last ODI appearance for Australia was in 2019, and he faced challenges in maintaining his form and securing a spot in the team.
6. Jason Behrendorff
Jason Behrendorff made a significant impact with his left-arm pace in the 2019 World Cup. In five games, he claimed an impressive nine wickets at a stellar average of 16.44. Behrendorff’s performances, including a remarkable spell of 5/44 against England, played a vital role in Australia’s victories. His ability to extract swing and bounce made him a potent force in the bowling attack. Meanwhile, his last ODI match for Australia was the semi-final against England in the 2019 World Cup.
7. Shaun Marsh
Shaun Marsh was a part of Australia’s 2019 World Cup squad but had limited opportunities, featuring in only two fixtures. He scored a total of 26 runs in those appearances. Although his contributions in the tournament were brief, Marsh is known for his ability to stabilize innings and build partnerships in international cricket. However, he is currently out of contention for the Australian team, while his brother Mitchell Marsh has made it to the provisional squad list for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
