Travis Head has injured his hand and is doubtful for the first half of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Australia is in a spot of bother because of this. Travis Head was in top form and his absence will be a major hole in the playing XI for the Aussies. On that note, here, we take a look at two opening combinations Australia might try in the 2023 ODI World Cup in the absence of Travis Head.
1) David Warner and Mitchell Marsh
It is clear that if Travis Head is absent, it will be Mitchell Marsh who will move up the order. This opening combination is also as dangerous as the Warner-Head duo that had been on fire recently. However, this would weaken the middle order.
That said, Mitchell Marsh is a very improved cricketer in recent days, especially against spin. Warner now takes some time to get going and for this to happen smoothly, it is important that Marsh can start well. Hence, this complementary nature of the opening combination will bode well for the team in the tournament.
2) David Warner and Josh Inglis
David Warner and Josh Inglis form an interesting duo which is one of the opening combinations Australia might try in the 2023 ODI World Cup in the absence of Travis Head. If Marsh moves up the order, Australia might have a few concerns in the middle-order.
If Marnus Labuschagne entirely replaces Travis Head in the squad, it is obvious that he would slot in at No.4. However, there is a chance that Travis could be fit for the second half. Hence, Australia may not replace him. To also ensure that the middle-order is strong, Australia could put Josh Inglis at the top. He has already gained some experience playing for Australia against South Africa. It would be a challenge but there is a reason why he has made it to the World Cup squad.
