Australia, already dealing with the disappointment of a 3-2 loss in the one-day international (ODI) series in South Africa, now face fresh injury concerns just three weeks before the start of their World Cup campaign in India.
Opener Travis Head’s participation in the upcoming tournament is uncertain due to a finger fracture he sustained in South Africa. In response, the team management has called up extra batter Matthew Short to bolster the squad.
Adding to their challenges, Abbott suffered a webbing injury between his fingers, while Ellis sustained a groin strain during the South Africa tour.
Consequently, Hardie, who made his ODI debut in Bloemfontein on September 9th, will remain with the team for the three ODIs scheduled against India from September 22nd to 27th.
The ODI squad will also see the return of skipper Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell, who have recovered from their respective injuries ahead of the series against India.
(With Reuters inputs)
