Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, keeping right-arm pace bowling all-rounder Shane Abbott. Australia announced the 18-man preliminary squad for the World Cup last month. Nathan Allis, Aaron Hardy and Tanveer Sanga have been left out of the initial squad announced.
Abbott has played only 11 50-over matches for Australia since his ODI debut in 2014. He took 13 wickets. Abbott took 4 wickets in the three-match series during India’s tour last March.
Australia’s list of all-rounders got bigger with Abort’s inclusion. Abbott is also staying with Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis and Pat Cummins. Adam Zampa will lead the spin department. He is accompanied by Aston Agar and Glenn Maxwell.
Maxwell, captain Pat Cummins, Steven Smith and Mitchell Starc are suffering from injuries. Australia team management is optimistic about getting them a three-match ODI series on Indian soil before the World Cup.
Australia’s chief selector George Bailey said, “The injured cricketers are recovering quickly and will play three ODIs against India at the end of this month.”
Bailey also said, ‘Australia has 8 one-day matches against South Africa and India before the final team of the World Cup is announced. Then there are two warm-up matches for the World Cup. There are enough opportunities to burn themselves before the main battle of the World Cup.
ICC has given the chance to change the World Cup team till September 28. The World Cup will start from October 5. Australia will start the World Cup with a match against hosts India in Chennai on October 8.
Australia squad for World Cup:
Pat Cummins, Shane Abbott, Aston Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Greene, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner and Adam Zampa.
(06 September/MM)