Young star and world-class batter get snubbed by selectors as Australia’s World Cup cricket squad is revealed
Young star and world-class batsman are rejected from the squad when Australia’s World Cup cricket squad is revealed
- Spinner Tanveer Sangha has been overlooked
- Marnus Labuschagne is also not in the selection
- Australia’s first game is against India on October 8
Despite a stunning T20 debut run, leg spinner Tanveer Sangha has been overlooked by Australia’s preliminary World Cup squad, but remains with the team in South Africa and could be included if injuries force changes.
The selectors have backed Ashton Agar (calf) to perform alongside returning senior members Glenn Maxwell (ankle) and Steve Smith (wrist) in limited pre-season, with Australia’s first match against India in Chennai on October 8.
Captain Pat Cummins (wrist) and Mitchell Starc (groin) have also been named despite not taking part in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa in hopes of playing in the three ODIs against India later this month or in the warm-up of two tournaments. matches against the Netherlands and Pakistan.
Sangha, 21, was unable to break into the squad after being included in the provisional squad along with all-rounder Aaron Hardie, who was also left out.
The NSW legspinner’s impressive form in South Africa’s T20 matches led to him being preferred to Adam Zampa for the final match, claiming five wickets at 14 in a stellar debut run.
Leg spinner Tanveer Sangha has failed to make the Australian World Cup squad despite his very impressive run against South Africa in T20 action (pictured)
Sangha could still be included in the roster if the Aussies fall short through injury
But the selectors opted for the experience and left arm variation of Agar, who last week said he was able to move freely after a calf injury kept him out of the T20 stage of the tour.
Agar said he was confident he could perform at his best during the World Cup, despite a lack of matches leading up.
“I’ve done a few sessions at 100 percent intensity, which is the biggest barrier when you’re doing a calf… it’s holding up well so far,” he said.
Sean Abbott has earned the chance to play at his first World Cup, leaving Nathan Ellis behind for the fourth specialist fast bowler role, with Australia committing to an all-rounder heavy squad featuring Mitch Marsh, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis.
World-class test batsman Marnus Labuschagne was again overlooked despite being included in Australia’s squad for the South Africa Series, with Josh Inglis the only reserve top player and back-up goalkeeper in the side.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey said Australia’s injured players were ‘well placed’ to make their return and could face India later this month, with the final squad confirmed after that series.
“Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are on track with their return to programs,” said Bailey.
“They are all well placed to come back online in the coming weeks and potentially be selected in the upcoming series against India.
World class batsman Marnus Labuschagne was again overlooked for the side
Injured captain Pat Cummins has been included in the squad despite not taking part in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa
There are still eight one-day matches to be played in South Africa and India before the final squad is announced. This is followed by two more World Cup exhibition matches, which offers plenty of opportunities to build on the tournament.’
The Squad: Pat Cummins (c), 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 .