Last Updated on 3 years ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Australia’s possible playing XI for 1st ODI vs India | Will Steve Smith play in the 1st ODI vs India?
Australia’s ODI series against South Africa began with great promise, but the absence of frontline, experienced players caught up to them. After taking a 2-0 lead, the Australians went on to lose 3-2, with their death bowling unable to cope with the Proteas’ onslaught.
However, Australia’s mounting injury toll is cause for greater concern. Travis Head’s serious hand injury is a blow given his form. Also, Ashton Agar (calf soreness), Sean Abbott (split webbing), Nathan Ellis (adductor) and Spencer Johnson (hamstring) had their injury issues on tour as well.
Pat Cummins (wrist fracture), Steven Smith (wrist tendon), Mitchell Starc (groin soreness) and Glenn Maxwell (ankle) were already out of the South Africa series. But, all four have been named in the squad to take on India in a three-match series, which serves as critical preparation for the World Cup.
Possible playing XI for 1st ODI vs India at Mohali: 1. David Warner, 2. Mitchell Marsh, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Cameron Green, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Tanveer Sangha, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
Australia’s possible playing XI: Injury concerns remain ahead of the World Cup
Glenn Maxwell missed the South Africa tour due to issues with the leg he broke last year. Unfortunately, he is expected to be out of the first India ODI at least, a source close to CricBlog has confirmed.
Mitchell Starc, who is recovering from a groin injury, will miss the first ODI.
Pat Cummins has recovered from a wrist injury and hopes to play all three games. Also, Steve Smith was back in the nets last week. He said he feels “pretty normal” after getting a cortisone injection in his wrist.
“I inside-edged a couple of balls in the nets the other day and my bat turned sharp, and I was like ‘oh, that was hurting before’ and it wasn’t hurting anymore,” Smith said to Nine at a promotional event in Sydney. “So that’s a real positive, and I feel as though I can play all my shots and there’s no pain at all.”
Selectors may look to give Marcus Stoinis some match time to recapture form in 50-over cricket. Since the start of 2021, he has scored 265 runs at an average of just 17.7 in ODIs. Also, how he starts against spin will be under the spotlight, so Australia could look at this series as a chance to regain some form.
More updates to come…
