IND vs AUS: Marnus Labuschagne In Focus After Travis Head Ruled Out Of World Cup

Australia batsman Travis Head has been ruled out of the first half of the ICC World Cup 2023. He got injured during the recent ODI match against South Africa. After his ouster, Marnus Labuschagne is expected to replace him in the 15-man squad.

During the 7th over of SA vs AUS 4th ODI, Travis Head fractured his left hand with a short ball by Proteas pacer Gerald Coetzee. The ball hit him on the left glove. After the incident, Head had a chat with the physio on the field and restarted his batting.

Also Read: SA vs AUS: Quinton de Kock Accepts Franchise Cricket As Reason Behind His ODI Retirement Decision

No Doubt Travis Head Won’t Be Available For The Front Half: Andrew McDonald

While speaking to Cricket.com, Australia Head Coach Andrew McDonald informed that Travis Head will not be available for the first half of ICC World Cup 2023.

“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,” the Australian coach said.

Also Read: SA vs AUS: “Best Hitting I’ve Seen In A Long Long Time” – Virender Sehwag Hails Heinrich Klaasen For His Stupendous 174 vs Australia

Marnus Labuschagne Will Be At The Front For Replacement: Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald also mentioned that Marnus Labuschagne is most likely to replace Travis Head in the World Cup squad. He also added that Marnus Labuschagne will be at the front when the selectors want to fill the vacant spot of Travis Head.

“I can’t talk on behalf of the selection panel and lock him away in the World Cup 15 but it’s no doubt looking likely. He’s made a significant shift in his intent at the crease and putting the bowlers under pressure (more) than he was potentially 12 months ago.

He’s struck at around 100 strike-rate in this series. We know Marnus is a quality player and he probably didn’t have the 12-18 months in one-day cricket that he would have liked. But he’s no doubt taken that opportunity with both hands and there’s no doubt he’ll be front and centre when it comes to that 15-man squad down the track,” the 42-year-old further added.

Also Read: SA vs AUS: Heinrich Klaasen Opens Up About His Journey To Maturity As A Batter, Highlights Influence Of His Role Model AB de Villiers

ICC World Cup 2023 begins on October 5 In India. Australia will face India in their opening match on October 8. Australia had earlier released their 15-man preliminary squad for ICC World Cup 2023. However, Marnus Labuschagne was not part of it.

Meanwhile, Australia lost the 5-match ODI series to South Africa. After losing the first two games, South Africa bounced back with a fabulous comeback. The home team crushed Australia in the next three games to clinch the series in their favour 3-2.