Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday, named a 15-member provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India, commencing on October 5.
Pat Cummins will lead the side, however, he is currently recovering from a fractured wrist and is in a race to be fit in time for the World Cup, along with Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith.
Steve Smith is also battling a wrist injury, sustained during the the Ashes, while Mitchell Starc has been dealing with groin soreness since returning from the Ashes.
Meanwhile, allrounder Glenn Maxwell was ruled out of the South Africa tour due to soreness in his ankle stemming from his previously broken leg.
However, Australia’s national selection panel chairman George Bailey is hopeful that the quartet will regain full fitness prior to the World Cup.
“All are well placed to come back online in the coming weeks and potentially for selection in the upcoming series against India,” George Bailey said.
“There are eight one-day matches still to play in South Africa and India before the final squad is due to be declared. They are followed by two World Cup practice games, which offers plenty of opportunity to continue the build for the tournament.”
Australia’s final 15-member squad is expected to be confirmed to the ICC by September 28, after the conclusion of a three-match ODI series in India.
Australia will kick off their World Cup campaign against India on October 8 in Chennai.
Australia World Cup squad
Pat Cummins (c), Steven Smith, David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Ashton Agar, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Sean Abbott
