ODI World Cup 2023: Marnus Labuschagne replaces injured Ashton Agar in the Australian squad

Australia has made a crucial change to its 15-man World Cup squad, bringing in Marnus Labuschagne to replace the injured Ashton Agar. This is the sole alteration to the initial squad announced by Cricket Australia, with Travis Head retaining his position despite his own injury, as there is hope he will be available during the middle of the tournament. Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar was initially named as one of two primary spinners in the preliminary squad unveiled on September 6. However, he suffered a calf injury while on tour in South Africa and had to return home for the birth of his first child. Consequently, he missed the series in India.

Labuschagne, on the other hand, was brought back for the ODIs in South Africa and impressed with his performances. He was the top run-scorer with 283 runs in five games at an average of 70.75 and added another 138 runs at an average of 46 from three games in India. Australia’s decision to retain Travis Head in the squad comes despite him suffering a fractured hand during the fourth ODI against South Africa and being some distance away from regaining match fitness. Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged that it was a difficult decision but mentioned that they couldn’t afford to carry both Travis and Ashton into the tournament given their injuries.

Read More: ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule

Bailey expressed hope for Head’s return around the mid-part of the tournament, stating that he has been a crucial player in the ODI team and that his comeback could provide a positive boost as the tournament progresses. Australia will start its quest for a sixth ODI World Cup title with a match against India in Chennai on October 8. Meanwhile, Matt Short and Tanveer Sangha, who were part of the India tour, will stay with the squad until at least the conclusion of the warm-up matches.

Australian Squad:

Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.