Star Australian Test batter left out as Cricket Australia announces preliminary squad for ODI World Cup

Two new faces, Tanveer Sangha and Aaron Hardie have been included in the 18-man squad.

Star Australian Test batter left out as Cricket Australia announces preliminary squad for ODI World Cup

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne (Image via The Statesman)

Cricket Australia announced its preliminary 18-man squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup on Monday (7 August) and it was full of surprises. While Australia’s Test superstar Marnus Labuschagne could not find a place in the 18-member squad, two new faces were included in the squad. Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha and all-rounder Aaron Hardie have been included in Australia’s ODI World Cup squad.

None of the two players have made their International cricket debut yet. However, Sangha and Hardie have proven their mettle in domestic tournaments and the Big Bash League. CA is expecting Sangha to make full use of the turning tracks in India. Meanwhile, Hardie is being seen as a backup to Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis.

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Cricket Australia has named an extended squad that will tour South Africa in September for a five-match ODI series followed by a three-match ODI series in India just before the World Cup. 

Australia’s ODI World Cup 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

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Pat Cummins racing against time to get fit for ODI World Cup

Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins (Image via The Independent)

While Australia’s Chief selector George Bailey called the 18-man squad a balanced one, captain Pat Cummins is still not 100% fit. The Aussie captain was revealed to have a fractured wrist that will keep him sidelined for six weeks. However, Cummins will travel to South Africa with the team for preparation for the quadrennial showpiece event.

“We view a period of enforced rest for Pat as a positive ahead of this important World Cup campaign,” said George Bailey. “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.”

It is also worth mentioning that Australia don’t have a designated vice-captain who can lead the team in Cummins’ absence. Josh Hazlewood and Steve Smith have taken up the duties in the past and one of them might do it against South Africa.

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