Australia has announced a strong 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against India, with all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh, as well as fast bowler Jhye Richardson returning from injury layoffs. The matches, which are scheduled to take place between March 17 and 22 in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai, will serve as a preparation for the World Cup later this year.
Maxwell and Marsh have recovered from their respective injuries and have proved their fitness by returning to action for Victoria and Western Australia, respectively. Meanwhile, Richardson has also returned to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury. Selection chief George Bailey highlighted the importance of the trio, as they are expected to play a significant role in the team’s World Cup plans.
Captain Pat Cummins (illness in the family), David Warner (hairline fracture in left elbow), and Ashton Agar (poor form), who all returned home after the second Test in Delhi, have been named in the ODI squad. Cummins will return before the third Test while opener Warner and left-arm spinner Agar will join the team before the ODI series.
But pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood was left out after he too returned home early with an Achilles’ injury. “It would be great for Josh to be part of this series but we have taken a conservative view ahead of a very important winter in England of which he will be an integral part,” Bailey said.
It is one of two bilateral one-day series Australia are set to play in India before the World Cup, with the other in September just prior to the tournament.
“With the World Cup just over seven months away, these matches in India are an important step in our preparation.”
Australia ODI squad for India tour: Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
