Australia Announces Provisional 15-Man Squad for ICC 2023 World Cup, Pat Cummins to Lead
Australia has unveiled its provisional 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC 2023 World Cup, set to commence on October 5 in India. Pat Cummins will captain the team, and the squad includes some notable inclusions and exclusions.
The preliminary squad initially comprised 18 players but was trimmed to the final 15-man roster. Notable exclusions from the squad are all-rounder Aaron Hardie, pacer Nathan Ellis, and emerging spinner Tanveer Sangha. The selection panel chose to prioritize experience, resulting in the inclusion of seasoned players for the marquee event.
Australia’s top order is expected to feature the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, and Travis Head. The team boasts four all-rounders: Cameron Green, Mitch Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell, all of whom possess the ability to bat in the top seven positions. Additionally, Ashton Agar and Sean Abbott, primarily frontline bowlers, also contribute with the bat when needed.
The pace-bowling department will be led by captain Pat Cummins, joined by the formidable duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Sean Abbott secured the fourth pace-bowling position, edging out competition from Nathan Ellis.
Australia’s wicketkeeping duties will be shared between Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, with Carey being the preferred choice, given his impressive performance at the previous World Cup in England and Wales in 2019.
The 15-player squad remains provisional and can be adjusted until the ICC-mandated deadline of September 28.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey expressed confidence that all 15 players in the squad will participate in the upcoming India series, returning to full fitness ahead of the final squad submission to the ICC on September 28. He noted, “Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell are on track in their return to play programs. All are well placed to come back online in the coming weeks and potentially for selection in the upcoming series against India.”
Australia’s World Cup squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.