- Stoinis doubtful for World Cup opener with hamstring issue.
- McDonald cautiously optimistic, labels it “touch and go.”
- Cameron Green may step in if Marcus Stoinis unfit, highlighting team’s injury challenges.
As the highly anticipated 2023 World Cup kicks off, the Australian cricket team finds itself facing a potential setback with the doubtful availability of key all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for the opening fixture against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8.
Stoinis, who sustained a hamstring injury during the recent ODI series against India, has been closely monitored by the coaching staff.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed cautious optimism about Stoinis’ participation, stating,
“It’s touch and go. He certainly hasn’t been ruled out, but we weren’t prepared to risk him in those practice games.”
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The 34-year-old Perth-born cricketer has already missed four white-ball matches due to his injury, joining Travis Head on the injury list. With the World Cup opener just around the corner, Stoinis faces a race against time to prove his fitness during the upcoming training sessions.
McDonald revealed,
“These next couple of days are really important for him to press for selection for game one, and we’ll see how that unfolds.”
In the event that Stoinis is unable to take the field, emerging all-rounder Cameron Green emerges as the frontrunner to fill the void in the Australian playing XI against India.
With Stoinis facing uncertainty, Australia’s hopes in the 2023 World Cup opener hinge on critical fitness assessments, while emerging talent Cameron Green stands ready as a potential replacement. The team grapples with injuries, emphasizing the toll of intense back-to-back series, as they prepare for the crucial clash against India.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
