Australia’s Starc and Maxwell to Miss Opening ODI Against India
Australia will be without the services of two key players, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell, for the opening match of the three-match ODI series against India. The news was confirmed by skipper Pat Cummins, who remains hopeful that both players will be available later in the series.
Mitchell Starc, who had previously missed the South Africa white-ball series, is still recovering from groin and shoulder issues he faced during the Ashes series in the UK. On the other hand, Glenn Maxwell aggravated his ankle injury before the series against South Africa and had to return home for the birth of his child.
Speaking ahead of the first ODI, Cummins shared the latest updates on their recoveries. He mentioned that Starc has been bowling in Sydney and is expected to have a bowl in the coming days before making a return. Maxwell is following a similar recovery timeline.
Australia’s team will see the return of several star players ahead of the World Cup, including Steve Smith and Captain Cummins, who have recovered from wrist injuries. Providing an update on his own fitness, Cummins expressed confidence and said he is feeling good, with his wrist now almost entirely healed. He hopes to play all three games of the series against India.
The series between Australia and India holds immense significance as both teams aim to fine-tune their squads for cricket’s marquee event, the World Cup. Additionally, the battle for the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings is at stake. Currently, Pakistan leads the rankings, but they do not have any competitive matches scheduled before the start of their World Cup campaign. India stands in second place with 115 points after their recent Asia Cup triumph, closely followed by Australia with 113 points. The outcome of this series will determine which team enters the World Cup as the number one ODI team.
This series will not only serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup but will also provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and form before the tournament commences. The absence of Starc and Maxwell in the opening match may pose a challenge for Australia, but the team remains optimistic about their return in the subsequent games. Both teams will be looking to make the most of this series and gain valuable momentum heading into the World Cup.
In summary, Australia will have to make do without Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell in the first ODI against India. However, the team is hopeful of their participation in the later matches of the series. This opening match absence presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth. With the World Cup looming, both Australia and India will be aiming to fine-tune their teams and secure the top spot in the ICC rankings.
