Star players Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell will miss the first match of Australia’s ODI series against India, which will be played today (September 22) at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. Captain Pat Cummins announced the news, noting that both players are recovering from injuries sustained in previous games. Cummins, on the other hand, is optimistic about his involvement in all three One-Day Internationals against India. This defeat is definitely concerning for the Australian team, which is attempting to fine-tune its lineup for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Starc, known for his pace and accuracy, will miss the first ODI due to groin soreness. The injury has plagued the left-arm pacer since his participation in the World Test Championship Final and the Ashes tour in the United Kingdom. The Australian captain expressed optimism that Starc will recover in time for the series’ final two one-day internationals.
Missing the service of hard-hitting and aggressive batter Maxwell, who was expected to make his international comeback, will be a great disappointment for the visitors. Maxwell, who had missed the South Africa tour, was eager to establish his worth on the big stage once more. Unfortunately, his participation in the first ODI is also ruled out.
Despite the setbacks, Cummins is adamant about leading the team from the front. Cummins was forced to miss the South Africa series owing to a wrist fracture suffered during the Ashes. However, the 30-year-old bowler assured that he is 100 percent fit and ready to play in all three One-Day Internationals against India. Cummins emphasized the significance of finding the correct combinations and getting the team in top shape for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Cummins has high expectations for Marnus Labuschagne, who has been in superb form. Labuschagne is likely to play an important part in the forthcoming series, and Cummins believes he has a chance to make the final 15 for the ODI World Cup. Labuschagne’s performance against South Africa, where he filled in for Cameron Green due to a concussion, demonstrated his potential and intent.
Cummins hinted that leg-break bowler Adam Zampa would be used in the death overs against Men in Blue. Zampa, who encountered some difficulties in South Africa, has the ability to down the run rate and take important wickets late in an innings. This strategic strategy may relieve some of the load on the pace bowlers.
Australia’s World Cup campaign kicks off on October 8 against India. The series versus India allows the Kangaroos to acclimatize to Indian conditions and test different combinations.
