Champions five times over Australia’s 15-man squad for this year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has been finalized.
Australia’s 15-man Squad
Australia named a preliminary squad of 18 players for the 50-over showcase last month, but that number was reduced to 15 on Wednesday, with the event in India starting in less than a month.
All-rounder Aaron Hardie, pacer Nathan Ellis, and young spinner Tanveer Sangha were the unlucky trio to miss the final cut, with selectors instead opting for experience with the majority of their final 15. Marnus Labuschagne, another test star, will also miss the trip.
The Line-Up
Fast bowler Pat Cummins will lead the side once more, with experienced quicks Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc providing new ball support, and Sean Abbott is preferred over Ellis for the final spot in the squad as back-up pacer.
The spinning options are provided by Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa.
Great All-rounders Includes
There were few surprises among the batters, with David Warner, Steve Smith, and Travis Head likely to bat at the top of the order, and all-rounders Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Cameron Green adding depth to an already strong batting lineup.
The two keepers in the squad are Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, with Carey being the first choice after excelling at the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.
Australia’s Current Series
Australia is currently in South Africa preparing for a five-match one-day international series against the Proteas before heading to the subcontinent for a three-match one-day international series against India at the end of this month.
They will then get more practice before the World Cup with official warm-up matches against the Netherlands and Pakistan, with their first match at this year’s event taking place on October 8 in Chennai against hosts India.
To read our blog on “For World Cup 2023 the departure of Pakistan’s team delayed,” click here
