‘Ab takkar ka maja ayega’ – Australia announce 16-man squad for ODI series against India

Australian Cricket have announced the 16-men-squad for the upcoming ODI series against India starting on February 17. Pat Cummins, who is currently in Australia due to a family emergency, will lead the side in the three-match series. Other than Cummins, David Warner, and Ashton Agar will also be returning for the ODIs against India.

Opening batter, Warner was ruled out from the final two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a hairline fracture. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Agar flew back to Australia to participate in domestic cricket for Western Australia.

Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell also made a return to the Australian squad. Maxwell suffered a leg injury during a friend’s birthday party. The all-rounder had to undergo surgery and took three and a half months to recover. He also went on to miss the entire Big Bash League. Marsh also suffered from an ankle injury that made him miss the entire cricket season.

Pacer Jhye Richardson has also made a place in the squad after a hamstring injury that made him miss the last few matches in BBL 2023. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has been missing from the Australian squad. The fast bowler was forced to miss the final two Tests against India after struggling with an achilles injury.

‘Matches in India are an important step in our preparation’ – George Bailey

This series will be crucial for the Aussies looking forward to the ODI World Cup in India, later, this year. Chief selector George Bailey looks at the series as an important part of the preparation for the big tournament.

“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. With the World Cup just over seven months away, these matches in India are an important step in our preparation. Glenn, Mitchell and Jhye are all important players in what we think the squad might look like come October,” said Bailey as quoted by Sportskeeda.

The ODI series will start with a match at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. The next two matches will be hosted by Vizag and Chennai.

Australian Squad for the ODI series:

Pat Cummins (c), 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.

Gill owns all of them

— Praveen Titans (@praveen1234_) February 23, 2023

I think ODI squad is better strong than Test squad.. Stac & maxi is biggest threats on this series for us..

— Faya Rafi (@fayafahi) February 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/MunawarSamay/status/1628579063802777600

Agar sent back then recalled back in odis squad kya Hera pheri hai

— Tanay (@tanutd_) February 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/ms14568399/status/1628580428495077377

https://twitter.com/kohlisim_/status/1628617943151185924

https://twitter.com/RavinayakBanja1/status/1628608948860497921

All mumbai indians players are getting fit : pic.twitter.com/a1gHik9Svw

— random thoughts (@_shitty_thought) February 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/pranavvishu/status/1628580464649994240