Melbourne, (UNI) Australia will be without the services of two key players for the start of the three-match ODI series against India, which begins on Friday.
Skipper Pat Cummins confirmed that Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are set to miss the opening match against India but remains hopeful of their participation towards the end of the three-match series.
Starc continues to recover from groin and shoulder issues from the trying Ashes series in the UK and had missed the South Africa white-ball series earlier.
Maxwell, on the other hand, was set to play against the Proteas but aggravated his ankle injury in the lead-up to the series and flew back home for the birth of his child.
Speaking on the eve of the first ODI, Cummins gave the latest updates on their road to recovery.
“Starcy [Mitchell Starc] is here, he won’t play tomorrow but hopefully will be available later on in the series,” Cummins said. “Same with Glenn Maxwell.
“He’s [Starc] been bowling back in Sydney, all going to plan. I think he might have a bowl today or tomorrow and build-up. Same with Glenn Maxwell, he’s got a similar timeframe to Starcy.”
Australia welcome back a host of their stars ahead of the World Cup for the series against India, including Steve Smith and skipper Cummins after their respective recoveries from wrist injuries.
“I am feeling pretty good. My wrist is all healed now, pretty much 100%. Hoping to play all three games,” Cummins added, talking about his own fitness.
The series will be key for preparation for Australia and India ahead of the World Cup, with both sides looking to fine-tune their teams for cricket’s marquee event.
The two teams will also be vying for the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. Pakistan are currently on top but do not play any other competitive matches before the start of their World Cup campaign.
India are second with 115 points after their Asia Cup triumph with Australia closely trailing them with 113. The outcomes of the series will decide who will head into the World Cup as the No.1 ODI team.
