Australia suffer huge blow as Travis Head gets ruled out of ODI World Cup’s first half, Marnus Labuschagne poised for squad inclusion

In a significant setback for the Australian cricket team, their star left-handed opener Travis Head has been ruled out of the first half of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 due to a hand fracture. Head, known for his explosive batting, was a key player in Australia’s lineup. However, a recent injury has forced him to sit out.

He has been in the dream form of his life and in a recent series against South Africa, he was seen playing freely and provided multiple cracking starts to the team. Head’s exclusion will surely affect the team’s performance in the upcoming tournament. During the 4th ODI of the series, he injured his hand which got fractured and he got retired hurt. Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the news recently.

“There will be an extended period of time out and we’ve just got to weigh up whether that time (out) falls with an option to carry him through the front half of the World Cup. There’s no doubt he won’t be available for the front half, so that’s a decision we’ll have to make for the final 15(-player squad). But I can’t give you an exact time frame,” McDonald was quoted as saying by India TV.

We know Marnus is a quality player: Andrew McDonald

In response, selectors are considering the inclusion of Marnus Labuschagne as Head’s replacement. Labuschagne, a versatile and talented batsman, has been making waves in international cricket, and his addition to the squad could bolster Australia’s chances in the tournament. 

He has impressed a lot in the ODI series against South Africa. With key players got rested for the series, Labuschagne got the opportunity to play in the series in which he utilised the chance and smashed a brilliant century. As cricket fans eagerly await the official announcement, Head’s absence and Labuschagne’s potential inclusion add a layer of intrigue to the upcoming World Cup matches.

“We know Marnus is a quality player and he probably didn’t have the 12-18 months in one-day cricket that he would have liked. But he’s no doubt taken that opportunity with both hands and there’s no doubt he’ll be front and centre when it comes to that 15-man squad down the track,” McDonald said.