ODI World Cup 2023: Australia, a five-time world champion, announced their 18-man preliminary roster for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 today with surprising tweaks. In the weeks leading up to the World Cup, the same team will also play against South Africa and India. The final World Cup roster will be reduced from 18 players to 15. Star batter Marnus Labuschagne has been axed from the squad.
Marnus Labuschagne removed from ODI World Cup 2023 squad
The upcoming edition of the World Cup is slated to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. In the squad, the Australian side has made a lot of unexpected additions. The removal of prominent batter Marnus Labuschagne from the ODI team is one of the most significant surprises.
The right-handed batter was a dependable member of Australia’s one-day international squad and was anticipated to play in the World Cup. Labuschagne has participated in 30 of the 38 ODIs Australia has played since his debut in 2020. He has yet to establish himself in ODIs, though. Labuschagne has scored 847 runs in 30 games, averaging 31 runs with a strike rate of 31.
Uncapped players brought in
Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the squad, while uncapped leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha and allrounder Aaron Hardie have received their maiden call-ups. Sangha’s selection has raised eyebrows as he hasn’t participated in any top-level cricket since a one-day domestic practice match in September of the previous year. An unfortunate stress fracture kept him sidelined throughout the entire 2022-23 summer season, making his call-up a surprise to many.
On the other hand, Aaron Hardie is known as one of Australia’s best young players. His presence in the squad brings stiff competition for the seam-bowling allrounder spots, as he will be vying against experienced players like Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, and Sean Abbott.
Also Read: The Battle of Titans – Who are the Top Five Contenders For ICC ODI World Cup 2023?
No Vice-Captain announced
Australia’s World Cup captain will be Pat Cummins. But no vice-captain has been chosen yet by the selectors. Josh Hazlewood and Steve Smith have recently taken over as the team’s leaders when Cummins was out, and one of them may serve as his replacement in the World Cup. Australia is set to begin their World Cup journey against hosts India in Chennai on October 8.
Australia squad for ICC World Cup 2023: 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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