Five-time World Champion Australia is currently struggling with injuries ahead of the prestigious ODI World Cup. After a back-to-back defeat against India, the team came on winning track in the third ODI and won the game. However, despite this victory, the Aussies are struggling to announce their 15-member ODI World Cup squad.
According to some recent news reports, Cricket Australia is waiting for the final fitness report of spinner Ashton Agar. Agar, who is running out of action due to an injury, is likely to be dropped from the preliminary squad. He will be replaced by batter Marnus Labuschagne, who has been in fabulous form in the last few weeks. Labuschagne got a chance to bat against South Africa due to a concussion injury, and since then he has been the best batter for the team.
As the last day for the squad announcement approaches, media reports reveal that the team is set to make a decision after Agar’s fitness report. However, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc are set to be part of the squad as they have recovered from the injury. Starc even participated in the third ODI game against India and looked in a good rhythm. However, dropping Agar might haunt Aussies in India’s spin-friendly conditions.
Australia to start their campaign against India
It’s worth noting that Marnus Labuschagne was dropped from the Australian ODI squad in August after a series of poor performances. However, he didn’t take long to make it into the squad again. Meanwhile, the Aussies are set to face host India in their first game on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In spinning conditions, the team would heavily rely on Adam Zampa for breakthroughs.
On the other hand, India would look to fine-tune their spin-playing abilities as Glenn Maxwell dismantled the Indian batting line-up during the 3rd ODI. His bowling prowess proved to be the difference between both teams. India will have two warm-up games against England and the Netherlands to fine-tune their preparations. It’s worth noting that they are also likely to announce their final squad by today.
Here is how fans react to Marnus Labuschagne’s inclusion in Squad:
Iska naam kaise prounounce karte honge log
— ???? ?? (@blackbindigirl) September 28, 2023
???? pic.twitter.com/llTci3fCKq
— Cric Point (@RealCricPoint) September 28, 2023
Marnus definitely deserved it but then who will bowl spin at chepauk with zampa?
— Archer (@poserarcher) September 28, 2023
How they are replacing best spinner with best batsman that too in Indian pitches ?
— Sindhi Chhokro (@Piyush_seerwani) September 28, 2023
This was coming. Harsh on Agar though!
— Ajitdeep (@CHAIHOLIC_) September 28, 2023
So only two spin options- Zampa and maxwell. We are winning in chennai
— Mukul (@mukuljakhar07) September 28, 2023
Travis Head Will Bring Fire in the Last few matches.
Marnus is good addition too.— Talk Before Wicket (@TalkB4Wicket) September 28, 2023
Head is not Injured as reported earlier??
— Patel ? (@Patelshyd) September 28, 2023
Marnus Labuschagne again ? pic.twitter.com/t9p5uPgBGF
— Indian Elon (@elonifiedmusk) September 28, 2023
