Marnus Labuschagne’s dream of competing in the ODI World Cup goes in vain as the 29-year-old batsman is not included in the 18-member squad for the ODI World Cup to be played in India this year.
Australia’s cricket governing body ‘Cricket Australia’ had announced the inclusion of uncapped players which include the 21-year-old leg spinner Tanveer Sangha and right-arm medium pacer Aaron Hardie.
These two young professionals are included in the top-18 which will ultimately reduce to 15 before the mega event in October.
The first task for the Aussies will be the five-game series against South Africa in September next month.
Marcus playing international cricket for the last three years has appeared 30 times and has been an integral part of the Australian side. The 29-year-old has played an important role for his team in winning the three-match ODI series against India earlier this year.
The attacking side looks strong with the inclusion of all-rounders like Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green and Sean Abbott. The spinning side includes Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar and the young Tanveer Sangha.
Captain Pat Cummins is set to miss the T20 series against South Africa after complaining of a wrist injury during the Ashes series which ended with a 2-2 draw.
The Australian selection said in a statement that they view a period of rest for the skipper as he is a crucial part for Australia in the ODI World Cup.
George Bailey stated that there are plenty of games which Pat can play before the mega event which will be more than enough for him for the preparation.
Batsman Glenn Maxwell will not attend the T20 series as he waits for the arrival of his child, he is expected to join the team for the ODI series against India in the next month.
Both teams will clash on October 8 in the highly anticipated event to be held in India.
Mitchell Marsh to lead Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins:
The Australian all-rounder is set to lead the team for their T20 series against South Africa which is from August 30, also making open space for the leadership in the next T20 World Cup.
Spencer Johnson, Matt Short and Aaron Hardie are added to the 14- squad for the 20-over format and might be seen making their international debut.
Aaron was picked for his impressive performance in the last BBL season as he finished the season by becoming the highest run scorer with a strike rate of 140, while Matt who also scored 458 runs and took 11 wickets was picked by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 season.
Spencer playing for Brisbane Heat also impressed everyone with his death bowling.
Marsh emerges as a future leader as the Australian selectors are eyeing to appoint a new white ball skipper after the ODI World Cup.
According to the reports, the current skipper Pat is expected to step down as the ODI after the mega event and might be seen leading the side in tests.
Cricket Australia selector backed Mitchell Marsh saying that Mitch is now a senior player in the ODI and this opportunity might add up to his skills in international cricket and they look forward to Marsh doing the same in the South Africa series.
Key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and David Warner are rested in the T20 series to manage the workload and might be added to the ODI squad.
Australia’s 18-player squad for ODI World Cup 2024:
Pat Cummins(C), Ashton Agar, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Nathon Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Tanveer Sangha, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner and Adam Zampa.
