Australia’s World Cup opener against India may see Marcus Stoinis on the sidelines due to a hamstring issue that arose after their 2-1 series defeat, causing him to miss two warm-up matches.
Australia’s all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is uncertain about his availability for the World Cup opener against India this weekend, with coach Andrew McDonald describing his status as “touch and go.”
Stoinis suffered a hamstring issue during a one-day international against India last month, leading to his absence from two warm-up matches. After pulling up sore following Australia’s first game in a 2-1 series defeat, his fitness remains in question for the Sunday match in Chennai.
When speaking to Australian Media, the coach revealed it’s uncertain if he’ll play in the opener but noted they’re cautiously managing his recovery for potential selection.
“That happened after the Mohali game. He pulled up a little bit sore from that game and then further investigation obviously led to that being a slight hamstring and then he’s just rehabilitating. It’ll be touch and go for game one. He hasn’t certainly been ruled out of that but we weren’t prepared to risk him in those practice games. So he’s being probably slow played a little bit with the view to these next couple of days being really important for him to press for selection for game one. We’ll see how it unfolds,” said McDonald.
Australia’s World Cup squad boasts five all-rounders, each slated for important roles in the team’s chase of a sixth title. Andrew McDonald also revealed they’re carefully monitoring the workload of their sole specialist spinner, Adam Zampa, who experienced minor discomfort after the second ODI.
Opening batter Travis Head, currently recovering from a fractured hand, may receive an official update on his return next week. The coach anticipates more clarity on timelines by Wednesday or Thursday, which will determine when he can rejoin the team. Until then, Head will continue training and preparing at home.
Last Updated on October 6, 2023
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