Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc are dealing with injuries and have been ruled out of Australia’s white-ball tour of South Africa.
Born-again allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been confirmed as captain for the ODI portion of the series in South Africa after already receiving the nod for T20 duties.
Smith is struggling with a tendon injury in his left wrist, while Starc is experiencing groin soreness following the gruelling schedule in England for the World Test Championship final and the Ashes.
Starc’s issue is not related to the shoulder injury he sustained during the Ashes.
“The compacted Ashes series and the World Test Championship was a heavy load for the group, and we are taking a conservative approach to the build-up to the World Cup,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“With the World Cup the priority of the squad, it was determined on advice that it was best for Steve and Mitchell to join the group in India by which time we expect them to be fully fit and available for the Indian ODI series, plus the World Cup warm-up fixture.”
(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
In Smith’s absence, Marnus Labuschagne has received a reprieve, joining the squad for the 50-over games against his country of birth.
Labuschagne was left out of Australia’s preliminary World Cup squad two weeks ago.
The first of three T20s against South Africa gets underway on August 31, while the five-match ODI series begins in Bloemfontein on September 7.
Australia’s opening World Cup game is against hosts India in Chennai on October 8.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
In the year 2525
DTM
Roar Rookie
There is an obvious question missing here. When?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Where?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Whom?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Who?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
How?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Why?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
EVERYTHING :boxing:
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
For what?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Exhausted players backing out of a meaningless series before a major overseas tournament. I don't blame them Send the b team and let them press their case for selection
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Those naughty Easterners. I bet Cummins was primarily responsible
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Back in the day when Sean and Mitch were reviled because people over east said being Rod's sons (that was almost universal) gave them preferential treatment, I was suggesting Mitch was a natural #3 batsman (not an all rounder) and would probably end up captaining Australia. That was 10 years ago...well, good on ya, Mitch.