Two big Australian players unavailable for 1st ODI against India
Australia captain Pat Cummins is hopeful that the duo will be able to return for the remaining two matches of the series.
Crickate
The three-match ODI series between India and Australia will begin on September 22 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Mitchell Starc, a left-arm seamer, and Glenn Maxwell, an all-rounder, have been ruled out of the opening one-day international for Australia. However, Australia captain Pat Cummins is optimistic that both players will be able to return for the series' final two matches.
Notably, Starc is still rehabilitating from the groin injury he sustained during the Ashes 2023, whereas Maxwell, who missed the most recent South Africa series due to ankle soreness, will rejoin the squad on Friday, September 22. Aside from them, captain Cummins, who has recovered from a wrist injury, hopes to participate in all three series matches. Steve Smith, who sustained a wrist injury during the Ashes and has since recovered, will also make his return.
"We want to establish a balance between acclimating to the conditions and winning some games, but we also don't want to be overheated for the first game of the World Cup. NDTV quoted Cummins as saying, "We'll try a few different combinations, and a few different players will get a shot, but ideally we'd like to structure up pretty similarly to how we'll play in the World Cup."
Cummins praised Marnus Labuschagne, who scored the most runs in the series against South Africa (283 runs in 5 innings), and backed him to fight for a spot in the World Cup squad with another outstanding series.
"Marnus (Labuschagne) is constantly ringing in my head, twenty-four hours a day" He was incredible. He was our most productive batsman in South Africa. Not only batting wise, his intent was outstanding there in South Africa. I am confident that he will compete for a roster place in the next three games," he added.
India and Australia will play their first match of the World Cup 2023 on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, following their three-match ODI series.
