Cricket Australia has announced their squad for the prestigious ODI World Cup that starts in four weeks. A team consisting of 15 members has been revealed as part of the tournament. The Aussies dropped three players from the 18-man preliminary squad that had already been selected.
Indian-origin spinner Tanvir Sanga and young all-rounder Ardon Hardy have not been selected in the preliminary squad. Apart from that, young pacer Nathan Ellis also faced disappointment. The Australian Cricket Board, which has put a lot of emphasis on experience, has selected seniors for the World Cup. Right arm pacer Sean Abbott has made room. Apart from that, the star batsman Marnus Labushen, who did not get a place in the preliminary team, did not get a place in the 15-member team. Alex Carey has made a place in the team as the main wicket keeper. Josh Ingles is the second choice wicket keeper.
Several key players, including captain Pat Cummins, are struggling with fitness issues, which is troubling the team. However, Australian Cricket Chief Selector George Bailey has expressed doubts about the fitness of the players. The chief selector expressed confidence that Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc will be fully fit by the ODI World Cup.
Before the ODI World Cup, the Australian cricket team will play 8 ODIs. They will face South Africa in 5 ODIs and India in 3 matches. The series between India and Australia will start from September 22. George Bailey said that playing ODIs against key teams before the ODI World Cup will benefit his team. He believes that they will get proper match practice. While the ODI World Cup will begin on October 5, Australia will face India in its first match on October 8.
Australia squad for World Cup:
Pat Cummins (captain), Sean Abbott, Aston Agar, Alex Carey (wicket keeper), Cameron Greene, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Ingles, Mitchell Marsh, Grenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Jump.