Injured Travis Head is unable to play against India in the ODI series, but Pat Cummins steps in to take the helm for Australia

In preparation for the next World Cup, which will also be held in India, Australia has named an 18-person team for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against India. The flamboyant batsman Travis Head was unable to play after breaking his left hand in the fourth One-Day International against South Africa in Pretoria. Concerns regarding the southpaw’s availability for the ODI World Cup have also been raised by his absence from the India series.

Pat Cummins will lead Australia in the three one-day internationals against India after missing the South Africa series owing to a wrist injury.

Along with Cummins, other seasoned players like Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc made a comeback.

The CA said that Steve Smith (wrist), Mitchell Starc (groin and shoulder), and Cummins (wrist) are all recovering at different rates from wounds received during a taxing six-Test campaign in the UK earlier this year.

Cricket Australia just issued a statement on Head’s injury.

When Head gets back to Australia, “Head will undergo further medical review,” the CA said. After that, a return to play timeline will be decided.

Marnus Labuschagne kept his spot for the India series after a strong performance in the ODIs against South Africa. If Head is ruled out, Labuschagne will aim to secure a last-minute spot in the World Cup team.

In the three-match series beginning on September 22, Mitchell Marsh is anticipated to open the innings with David Warner.

Pat Cummins (captain), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, and Adam Zampa make up the Australian ODI team.

Schedule for India vs. Australia

First ODI, September 22 at Mohali

Second ODI, September 24, Indore

Third ODI, September 27, Rajkot