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Cricket Australia (CA) has made a significant change to its preliminary squad for the ODI World Cup 2023. In a surprising move, Marnus Labuschagne has been added to the 15-member Australian lineup, replacing a key spinner. On the other hand, despite the broken hand, Travis Head remains in the squad with some limitations.
Marnus Labuschagne replaces Ashton Agar
Labuschagne’s inclusion in the Australian squad comes at the expense of spinner Ashton Agar, who has been ruled out due to a calf injury. It is worth mentioning that Labuschagne had initially been left out of the preliminary squad but managed to impress the selectors with his stellar performances in the series against South Africa and India. Labuschagne’s consistent batting and adaptability in challenging conditions made him an irresistible choice.
However, Australia will now be going into the World Cup with just one specialist spinner in the form of Adam Zampa, relying on star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell to fill the void of a second spinner.
Travis Head retains his spot but set to initial matches
While Agar was ruled out due to injury, Australia has decided to carry injured Travis Head through the early stages of the tournament despite his broken hand. Notably, Head sustained the blow during the South Africa series and needs at least four weeks to completely recover, which means he won’t be able to participate in the initial matches.
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Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey expressed the importance of Head’s role in the ODI team and the hope that his return will provide a positive impetus as the tournament progresses as he informed about Australia’s final squad for ODI World Cup 2023.
“We have made the decision to carry Travis through the early stages with the aim of him being available around the mid-part of the tournament. He has been a really important player in this ODI team and we are hopeful his return can provide a positive impetus as it gets to the business end of the tournament,” said Bailey.
Australia’s World Cup journey
Australia’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign is set to kick off with a thrilling encounter against India in Chennai on October 8th. Led by captain Pat Cummins, the Australian team boasts an experienced and talented 15-player squad that aims to make its mark on the world stage once again. With five World Cup titles already in their cabinet, the team’s goal would be to add a record sixth 50-over World Cup title.
Australia’s ODI World Cup 2023 finalized squad:
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
