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Australian opener Travis Head, who suffered a hand fracture during an ODI series against South Africa last month, is currently back in Australia and is uncertain for participation in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, shed light on Head's condition ahead of their key match against India.
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The injury, which saw Head being struck by South African pacer Gerald Coetzee, was significant enough to sideline him for the initial phase of the World Cup. Despite these odds, the Australian selectors demonstrated faith in Head's resilience, naming him in the 15-player squad with hopes of a quick recovery.
October 12, 2023, stands as a crucial date for Head and the Australian camp. On this day, corresponding with Australia's fixture against South Africa in Lucknow, medical experts will scrutinize the healing status of Head's injured hand. A favorable outcome could pave the way for his return to the World Cup roster. Conversely, unsatisfactory results might extend his unavailability till the tournament's concluding stages.
While discussing the team's strategy after electing to bat first in Chennai, Cummins conveyed optimism regarding the team's current form, especially after promising performances in the warm-up matches. He further shared that Travis Head is presently recuperating in Adelaide.
Cummins also announced that players Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis would not be featuring in the showdown at Chepauk against India.
"We are going to bat. Looks like a good wicket. Suns out. It looks like a good afternoon to bat. We are in a really good spot. We got a good balance, got some game time to the guys, looking fresh. Travis Head is on the couch in Adelaide. Seanny (Sean) Abbott, Marcus Stoinis not playing and Josh Inglis misses out," said Cummins.
Australia Playing XI: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Lokesh Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
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