Pat Cummins aims for ODI comeback against India before World Cup 2023
Pat Cummins has expressed confidence that his wrist injury won't hinder his chances in the upcoming World Cup 2023.
Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, expressed confidence that his wrist injury won’t hinder his chances in the upcoming World Cup 2023. However, Cummins hinted at a possible absence from the 5-match ODI series against South Africa in August and September.
Cummins, who led Australia to victory in the World Test Championship final and helped retain the Ashes Urn, sustained a wrist fracture during the fifth Test of the recent English summer series. Although not part of the T20I squad for the South Africa tour, Cummins is set to join the ODI squad later during the series. South Africa will host Australia for a 3-match T20I series and a 5-match ODI series from August 30 to September 17.
Speaking about his recovery, Cummins stated, “I’ll head over to South Africa at the back end of that leg. But we’re probably looking more at those one-dayers ahead of the World Cup. It shouldn’t be too bad. Another few weeks and it’ll be right.”
Cummins is eager to return to action during the 3-match ODI series against India, which is the team’s final preparatory assignment before the ODI World Cup commences on October 5.
Amidst Cummins’ potential absence, there’s speculation that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh might take up the ODI captaincy for the South Africa series if Cummins doesn’t recover in time. Marsh was recently named as the T20I captain for the South Africa tour, succeeding Aaron Finch.
Cummins expressed confidence in Marsh’s leadership abilities, saying, “He’s always been a huge member of the team, a real leader. As a captain, that’s what you want, a guy that’s going out there, taking the game on, someone we can all get behind.”
Australia is set to begin their World Cup 2023 campaign against India in Chennai on October 8.
