Australia has announced the squad for WTC 2023 Final and also the first two Ashes Tests. While the core of the squad remains the same, there were a few surprises. Despite having injury issues, Australia does not have too many backups in the pace department. Also, a few players like Mitchell Marsh have been given a comeback, despite not playing a lot of Tests recently. A few unlucky cricketers could not make it to the squad. On that note, here, we take a look at two Australian players unlucky to miss the WTC Finals squad.
1) Cameron Bancroft
Since 2019, Cameron Bancroft has not played for Australia. Yes, he has had some off-field problems but he is back to form and is doing excellently right now.
In the recently concluded Sheffield Shield, the player was the top run-scorer. In 11 matches, he scored 945 runs at an average of 59.06. Especially with the likes of David Warner struggling for runs, at least as backup, Bancroft should have been given a chance. This is despite the likes of Marcus Harris and Mitchell Marsh earning a spot in the squad. That said if the existing openers do not perform in the WTC finals and the first two Ashes, Bancroft could get an opportunity.
2) Michael Neser
Michael Neser is one of the Australian players unlucky to miss the WTC Finals squad. Australia has a strong pace attack but they are vulnerable to injuries. In this regard, it was surprising that only Scott Boland is the backup pacer in the selected squad.
Neser picked 40 wickets in 8 games and was the second-highest wicket-taker in Sheffield Shield. Considering Australia would need some options in the squad, it is unlucky that Neser did not make the cut. Also, Australia have selected too many batting options and this imbalance could have been one of the reasons why Neser did not get a chance.
Thoughts on the squad Australia are taking to the UK? #Ashes #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/W1cKaY51PW
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