SL vs AUS: Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s premier all-rounder, was instrumental in the team’s victory in the inaugural one-day international (ODI), which was played against Sri Lanka at Pallekelle. However, in what might be described as another blow to their injury-plagued team, batting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been ruled out for the remainder of the series with a side strain. After suffering the same injury in the first one-day international, spinner Ashton Agar is also unable to participate in the match.
Stoinis and Agar have now joined the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, and Sean Abbott on the sidelines for the Australians. Matthew Kuhnemann and Travis Head will be joining the One-Day International team, which is presently competing for Australia A in a match that will last over four days in Hambantota. Veteran pacer Pat Cummins spoke on the team’s present depth when the team is dealing with an injury issue. He feels there are still a lot of choices available for the Men in Yellow to choose from.
“All of the planning was going to be for great preparation. We had the Australian A team over here, a huge squad, but there were always going to be problems that sprung up. The number of injuries sustained is not ideal, but we will find a balance that works for everyone. It seems like we still have enough alternatives. Scott Boland has come in, and hopefully, Starcy (Mitchell Starc) will be back shortly, Mitch Marsh will be back bowling, and Cam Green will be back bowling,” Cummins said before the second one-day international. “
In the first game of the series, Stoinis made an important contribution with a score of 44 off just 31 balls. Agar was one of the stars with the ball, as he took two wickets despite allowing 49 runs in his ten overs.
SL vs AUS: Before the start of the test series, Cricket Australia will evaluate the existing team
In the meantime, Cricket Australia has also made a statement regarding the injury problems that have plagued the national team. They have stated that they will be keeping a close eye on the squad that will be participating in the ODI series and will determine whether or not any changes are necessary for the subsequent two-match Test series.
According to a statement issued by Cricket Australia, “National selectors will continue to assess the team through the ODI series before determining whether any changes need to be made ahead of the two-Test matches in Galle.”
