The Big Four are Back in Australia’s Cricket World Cup squad despite injury concerns

Despite injury concerns surrounding the crucial four, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell have all been chosen in Australia’s 15-man provisional squad for next month’s Cricket World Cup.

To get fit for the tournament in India, which begins on October 5, all four are skipping the current limited-overs tour of South Africa.

The recent Ashes series in England resulted in Captain Cummins breaking his hand, and there are also injury concerns for Smith (wrist), Maxwell (ankle), and Starc (groin).

A final squad for the 50-over tournament has to be locked in with the ICC by 28 September, with the four players unlikely to feature in the five one-day internationals against the Proteas which start on Thursday.

Big names included in Australia’s Cricket World Cup squad despite injury concerns: George Bailey

However, there is a chance to play in the ensuing three-match ODI series against India, which starts on September 22, according to selectors’ chair George Bailey.

“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.”

With the senior players included, the group maintains a stable atmosphere; there is no room for those who were given the opportunity to shine in the recent 20-over series in South Africa. Particularly with his 4-31 in the opening T20 international, Tanveer Sangha had a fantastic debut.

The other members of the first 18-man World Cup squad, which was announced last month, were quick Nathan Ellis and all-arounder Aaron Hardie, who also made his international debut last week.

There is still plenty more cricket to be played before the ICC’s squad deadline, according to Bailey, so the door is not yet shut.

“There are eight one-day matches still to play in South Africa and India before the final squad is due to be declared,” he said. “They are followed by two World Cup practice games, which offers plenty of opportunity to continue the build for the tournament.”

Provisional Australian World Cup squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Also read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: All the squads in one place

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