IND vs AUS: Huge blow for Australia’s hopes for the ODI series against India as their key players Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are ruled out of the 1st ODI of the 3-match ODI series. The first ODI of Australia Tour of India 2023 is scheduled to be played on 22nd September at Mohali.
Australian captain Pat Cummins confirmed the updates regarding the unavailability of Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell for the IND vs AUS 1st ODI and has also shared that Steve Smith is all set to appear in the playing 11 and he also is fit and fine to step on the ground for tomorrow’s game.
Pat suffered a wrist injury a couple of months ago and missed the action since then. Smith sustained tendon damage in his left wrist while fielding in the match against England back in August and he is also now fit to be in action mode.
During Ashes 2023, Starc hurt his shoulder and had to leave the game for a while. Due to “groin soreness,” he was unable to go with Australia on their recent tour of South Africa, and the Australian captain cited this as the reason he is unable to play in the opening ODI.
Maxwell, on the other hand, traveled to South Africa despite having a slight ankle complaint. The right-handed hitter hasn’t participated in an ODI since fracturing his fibula in March. He is also nearly fit, but he needs a few more days before he can run around with his boys.
IND vs AUS: Cummins’ Comments
On the Pre-match conference arranged today, skipper Cummins said, “We’ve got plenty of people at different stages. I am feeling pretty good. My wrist is all healed up. I hope to play tomorrow, hoping to play all three games.”
He then came to Starc’s fitness and availability and said, “Starcy won’t play tomorrow but hopefully he’ll be available for later on the series. He (Starc) has been bowling back in Sydney and all going to plan. He might bowl today or tomorrow and build up.”
“Same for Glenn Maxwell. Same with Maxwell, he has a similar time frame to Starcy,” he added.
Australia will play India on October 8 to start their World Cup campaign. The Kangaroos will get an opportunity to adapt to Indian circumstances and test out different combinations throughout the IND vs AUS ODI series.
The absence of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc in the inaugural IND vs AUS ODI is a blow for Australia as it prepares for the ODI series against India. But captain Pat Cummins is however upbeat about his personal health and the team’s chances. Before the ODI World Cup, the series is a key chance to fine-tune the team, and Cummins is committed to guiding his side to victory.
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