Follow UsSteve Smith has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa with a wrist injury. The right-handed batter, who was supposed to open the innings, sustained the injury back in the Ashes but will be available for the ODIs that follow in India.
Perth Scorchers captain, and one of the consistent performers at the Big Bash League (BBL) level, Ashton Turner, has been rewarded with a call-up. Marnus Labuschagne, who was earlier left out of the ODI squad, has been added, with an opportunity to showcase his skills now.
It doesn't end there, with Mitchell Starc too ruled out of the limited-overs series, as Spencer Johnson, who starred in The Hundred, will be part of both the setups. ESPNCricinfo reported that Smith played with an injured wrist in the Ashes but now will have to wait till Australia’s away series against India later this year. Michael di Venuto, who is Australia's batting coach will serve as the head coach for the tour, alongside Clint McKay and Dan Marsh as his assistants.
"The compacted Ashes series and the World Test Championship was a heavy load for the group, and we are taking a conservative approach to the build-up to the World Cup," said George Bailey, the chairman of the national selection panel.
"With the World Cup the priority of the squad, it was determined on advice that it was best for Steve and Mitchell to join the group in India by which time we expect them to be fully fit and available for the Indian ODI series, plus the World Cup warm-up fixture."
Mitchell Marsh will captain the Australian setup in the shortest format, with wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis set to keep wickets in Matthew Wade’s absence. It is yet to be ascertained as to who will open the innings for Australia, with Matthew Short in the squad as well and is the favourite to open the innings.