Australia has released their preliminary squad of 15 players for the upcoming ICC 2023 World Cup in India. Pat Cummins will be at the helm, captaining the team, while it’s a huge occasion for Sean Abbott, who wins his first-ever call-up for this mega event.
Australia recently announced their 15-player squad for the upcoming 50-over World Cup event, making some tough selections in choosing the team just a month before the competition begins.
Among those who nearly missed out on the final cut were all-rounder Aaron Hardie, speedster Nathan Ellis, and teenage spinner Tanveer Sangha. The selectors leaned towards experience when crafting the final 15, and even their Test Specialist batter Marnus Labuschagne did not make the cut.
In terms of batting, the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, and Travis Head are likely to contribute significantly in the top order. The team also boasts four allrounders – Cameron Green, Mitch Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell, who can all contribute with the bat in the top seven spots. Additionally, Ashton Agar and Sean Abbott, primarily frontline bowlers, have the capacity to chip in with the bat when needed.
In the pace bowling department, Sean Abbott grabbed the fourth position among the powerful trio of captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, knocking out competition from Nathan Ellis.
For wicketkeeping responsibilities, the roster contains two keepers – Alex Carey and Josh Inglis. Carey is the first-choice goalie, given his impressive performance at the previous World Cup in England and Wales in 2019.
It’s vital to note that the 15-player team is tentative and can be modified until the ICC-mandated deadline of September 28th. Chairman of Selectors George Bailey is sure that all 15 players in the squad will have a role to play in the next India series at the end of this month and will be pronounced fit before the final roster is presented to the ICC on September 28th.
Australia World Cup squad:
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
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