Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, announced that Travis Head won’t be available for the initial part of the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. This decision follows Australia’s recent 2-3 series loss to South Africa.
Travis Head suffered a left-hand fracture when he was hit by a rising delivery from Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee while batting in Australia’s fourth ODI run chase on Friday. According to McDonald, Head won’t need surgery for the fracture in his left hand, which happened in the fourth ODI held in Pretoria. However, it remains uncertain whether he’ll be fit to participate in the upcoming 50-over event in India, as his recovery is expected to take over a month.
“The timeframe is still a bit loose at the moment but the good news is he doesn’t require surgery as it sits at the moment. There will be an extended period of time out and we’ve just got to weigh up whether that time (out) falls with an option to carry him through the front half of the World Cup.”
“There’s no doubt he won’t be available for the front half, so that’s a decision we’ll have to make for the final 15(-player squad). But I can’t give you an exact time frame,” McDonald was quoted by Cricket.com.au website.
Marnus Labuschagne has found himself back in the spotlight, because of Head’s injury. Labuschagne’s impressive performance as the leading run-scorer in the South Africa series, with 283 runs at an average of 70.75, has earned him renewed favor.
During the fifth and final ODI at Wanderers ground, Australia encountered more injury setbacks, as fast bowlers Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott both suffered fresh injuries.
Ellis had to halt his spell prematurely due to an adductor strain after bowling eight overs. Further evaluation will be needed to determine the extent of his injury.
Abbott, on the other hand, split the webbing on one of his fingers while fielding and required stitches. However, he managed to complete his allotted overs, and McDonald expressed optimism that he should be fit to face India in the upcoming series.
To provide some insurance for these situations, Aaron Hardie will be joining the ODI squad on their journey from South Africa to India.
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