Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc unvailable for first ODI vs India

Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell (Photo Source: Twitter)

India and Australia will lock horns in a three-match ODI series starting from Friday, September 22 at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. However, ahead of the first ODI, Australia have got a big blow as left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the series opener. However, Australia captain Pat Cummins is hopeful that the duo will be able to return in the remaining two matches of the series.

Notably, Starc is still recovering from the groin injury he sustained during the Ashes 2023 while Maxwell, who left the recent South Africa series due to ankle soreness and will join the squad on Friday, September 22. Apart from them, captain Cummins, who has recovered from a wrist injury, is looking to play all three matches of the series. Meanwhile, star batter Steve Smith will also mark his return after recovering from a wrist injury which he sustained during the Ashes.

“We want to strike the balance between getting used to these conditions, hopefully winning some games, but we also don’t want to get to that first game [of the World Cup] and already be cooked. No doubt we’ll be trying a few different combinations, a few different players will get a chance but ideally we’d like to structure up pretty closely to how we’ll play in the World Cup,” Cummins was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Marnus will push for his spot: Cummins

Cummins further showered praise on Marnus Labuschagne, who finished as the highest run scorer of the series vs South Africa (283 runs, 5 innings), and backed him to push for a spot in the World Cup squad with another brilliant series.

“Marnus (Labushagne) is always ringing in my head, 24 hours (laughs). He was fantastic. He was our best batter in South Africa. Not only batting wise, his intent was excellent there in South Africa. I am sure he will get his chance in three games and push for his spot,” he added.

Meanwhile, after the three-match ODI series, India and Australia will face each other in their first game of the World Cup 2023 on October 08 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.