On Wednesday morning, the Australian cricket team arrived in India to engage in a three-match ODI series set to commence on Friday, September 22. Prior to their tour of India, the Australian team had just completed a five-match series in South Africa, which concluded on Sunday, September 17. This series in India is their last bilateral series before the ODI World Cup 2023.
The first ODI of the IND vs AUS series will take place in Mohali on September 22, followed by the second ODI in Indore on September 24, and the series will wrap up in Rajkot on Wednesday, September 27. Pat Cummins & Co will use this series as an chance to fine-tune their preparations and adapt to the playing conditions in India ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Star Australian opener David Warner, who considers India his second home, posted a message on his social media account upon arriving in India. The post was accompanied by the caption, “Always great to be welcomed back to india. We are always well looked after and well protected. Thanks so much.”
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Australia has unveiled an extensive 18-player squad for their upcoming 3-match ODI series against India. However, opener Travis Head won’t be part of the squad for the India series due to a hand injury, and he is likely to miss at least the initial matches of the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to commence on October 5.
Several important players are set to make a comeback to the squad including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell. Cummins and Smith were recovering from wrist injuries, while Starc was managing discomfort in his groin and shoulder. Maxwell, who had to depart early from the South Africa T20I series due to an ankle injury, is now fit to play.
Cameron Green, who missed three ODIs against South Africa because of a concussion, has been cleared to play after completing an eight-day concussion protocol. Travis Head and Ashton Agar will not be available for the squad. Head’s hand injury occurred during the fourth ODI, and his recovery timeline remains uncertain for the ODI World Cup.
Agar, who had a minor calf tear before the South Africa tour, has been excluded due to persistent soreness. Intriguingly, the squad introduces two uncapped players, Matt Short and Spencer Johnson. Despite the injury challenges, Australia, known for being the most successful team in ODI cricket history, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming series.
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