Pat Cummins Confirms Unavailability Of 'These Two' Core Players For 2nd ODI Vs India
Mitchell Starc will miss 2nd ODI vs IND | Source: X.com
Australia began a three-match ODI series on a disappointing note, losing the series opener to India by five wickets on Friday, September 22, at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
In their inaugural ODI of the season, Australia had to make do without their star players Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc.
Despite receiving clearance on their fitness earlier, it appears that Australia is prioritizing the fitness of their key players, especially with the ICC World Cup 2023 less than two weeks away.
Pat Cummins, speaking in the post-match conference provided an update on Maxwell and Starc’s availability for the 2nd ODI, set to be played at Holkar Stadium:
“They'd probably not be ready for the second game, maybe the third game. Maxi has just arrived in India.”
Notably, Starc is coming back from a groin injury while Glenn Maxwell, who welcomed a baby girl into his family recently is returning from paternity leave and ankle soreness from last year's leg injury.
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins also praised David Warner and Steve Smith for the strong start they provided to Australia.
Warner scored 52 runs from 53 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes, while Smith contributed 41 runs off 60 balls. Together, the duo formed a 94-run partnership for the second wicket.
"Good to see them out there together. We've got one eye on the big tournament, but you want to set the standards early and build a good rhythm.”
As long as the match is concerned, Australia were bowled out for 276 runs after being put into bat first. In reply, India rode on the brilliant half-century knocks from Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, and captain KL Rahul to chase down the target in 48.4 overs.
Following their 1-0 lead, India is gearing up to face Australia in the second ODI, slated for Sunday, September 24th, at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
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