Australia’s final roster for the ICC World Cup 2023, which starts on October 5, replaced Ashton Agar with right-arm batsman Marnus Labuschagne.
Labuschagne replaces Agar in Australia’s squad: Agar was unable to recuperate from a calf injury, which prevented him from playing in the T20I series against South Africa, according to the reports.
The five-match ODI series against South Africa earlier this month was his last outing for Australia, though.
“Marnus Labuschagne replaced Ashton Agar in Australia’s final roster for the ICC World Cup 2023, which starts on October 5.”
Due to Agar’s expulsion, Australia will only have one specialist spinner in the mega event: Adam Zampa. Veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will likely be handed a role to help the team’s spin bowling unit.
Australia left this change till the very last minute, finalising their team for the ICC World Cup 2023 on Thursday.
For the unversed, the International Cricket Council (ICC) required that all 10 participating teams submit their final squads by September 28. Any changes made after that date required the apex cricket body’s consent.
In the meantime, Australia included the injured Travis Head in their final ICC World Cup 2023 roster, with expectations of his return during the tournament.
During Australia’s 164-run humiliation at the hands of South Africa in the fourth One-Day International of the just concluded five-match series, Head fractured his hand.
Prior to opening their World Cup campaign against the hosts India on October 8 in Chennai, the five-time winners Australia will play matches against the Netherlands on September 30 and Pakistan on October 3.
Australia’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2023:
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.