Tim David (Photo Source: Twitter)
Some of Australia’s key players have been hit with injuries like Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, and Glenn Maxwell. Smith and Cummins are struggling with wrist injuries while Maxwell hurt his ankle during a practice session ahead of the first T20I versus South Africa.
The three players won’t be available when Australia face the Proteas in a five-match ODI series. Marnus Labuschagne was named as a replacement for Smith. Now, after an impeccable outing in the first T20I against South Africa, Tim David has earned a call-up for the ODIs.
David, who is uncapped in ODIs, scored an enterprising 64 off just 28 balls in Durban and his partnership alongside captain Mitchell Marsh helped the tourists post 226/6 on the board after being invited to bat first. In reply, Aiden Markram’s men were skittled out for 115. Ahead of the second T20I, David received morale-boosting news as he has been added to Australia’s side for the impending 50-over matches against South Africa.
David has played only 16 List A matches thus far. His record is quite impressive as he averages a staggering 82.77 and has a strike rate of 123.14. The right-handed batter was set to join Trinbago Knight Riders to play in the Caribbean Premier League after the ingoing T20I series. However, now that he has been added to the Aussie setup for the ODIs, his CPL participation is likely to be affected further.
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide stated that David could provide the firepower at the backend of an innings. The former was also excited to see how the 27-year-old adapts to the challenges that 50-over cricket throws up.
“Tim is already here for the T20 series which offers an opportunity to see how his game can translate to the one-day format. He will provide an extra option for us in that power role at the back end of an innings,” Dodemaide was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The first ODI is scheduled to be held in Bloemfontein on September 7. However, prior to this encounter, Australia and South Africa will play two T20Is on September 1 and September 3, respectively.