NEWS
Follow UsAaron Hardie, Tanveer Sangha and Nathan Ellis have been named in Australia’s initial 18-man squad for this year’s ODI World Cup in India, while Marnus Labuschagne has been left out. Australia are scheduled to play five ODIs in South Africa before travelling to India for three more ODIs before the showpiece event.
Spin-bowling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will miss the ODI series against South Africa, as he is expecting the arrival of his first child, and will directly join the squad in India. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins will be out of action for six weeks after fracturing his wrist in the fifth and final Ashes Test but will travel with the team to South Africa.
"Pat injured his left wrist diving in the field on the first day at The Oval. He has an undisplaced fracture of his left radius, which requires six weeks rehabilitation. We expect him to join the squad during the South African ODI Series,” said Chair of Selectors George Bailey.
“We view a period of enforced rest for Pat as a positive ahead of this important World Cup campaign. There are still a number of games he could play before the World Cup which is more than enough for him to have a strong preparation."
Labuschagne, one of the best batters in Test cricket, hasn’t really been able to ace the 50-over format. After 30 ODIs, the right-hander averages 31.37, with just one century and six fifties to his name. Meanwhile, Ellis has featured in four ODIs for Australia, while Hardie and Sangha are yet to make their international debut.
Australia will also play three T20Is in South Africa, with Mitchell Marsh leading the second-string squad. Australia will be without David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green.
"Mitch has long been a senior player within the white ball structure, with this an opportunity for him to add to his leadership skills at international level. We look forward to him taking that step in South Africa. Aaron, Spencer and Matt have been outstanding in the BBL and identified as potential national players for the future,” said Bailey.
"Aaron has impressed in recent outings for Australia A as well as for the Scorchers while Matt has blossomed with extra responsibility at the top of the order for the Strikers. Spencer's left-arm pace and bounce was highly effective in his first season for the Heat. This trip will be a fantastic experience for all three and the chance to play their first games for their country."
ODI squad: 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.
T20I squad:Mitchell Marsh (C), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
