ODI World Cup 2023: Star Australian player set to make his comeback in World Cup squad

Travis Head has traveled to India to join the Australian team participating in the ongoing ODI Cricket World Cup. Although he won't be available for the fourth game against Pakistan. The star left hand batter is expected to be fully fit for the subsequent match against Netherlands in Delhi on October 25.

Advertisment

The 29-year-old batter suffered a hand injury during the fourth ODI against South Africa on September 15, where Gerald Coetzee's delivery struck his glove, revealing a fracture in a joint on his left hand in subsequent scans. Despite the injury, Head retained his place in the ODI squad, initially expected to miss half of the group-stage matches. He has resumed batting in the nets, showing significant progress in his recovery.

“It's coming along well, and probably better than we hoped. When we decided not to go with surgery, which would have meant a 10-week recovery, we were told it would be minimum six weeks with the splint before we could look at playing again," the dynamic left-hand batter told cricket.com.au as reported by espncricinfo.

Advertisment

Travis Head is set to travel to India to join the Australian team at #CWC23 🙌https://t.co/o8QSifFkSX

— ICC (@ICC) October 15, 2023

Australia registered their first win in ODI World Cup 2023

Advertisment

In a cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka, the latter got off to a strong start with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera building a solid partnership of 125 runs. However, after Australian skipper took Nissanka's wicket, Sri Lanka faced a collapse, losing their remaining nine wickets for just 53 runs. Despite a promising beginning at 156/1, they finished with 209 runs. In response, Australia, facing a target of 210, displayed fearlessness.

In reply to the modest total, Dilshan Madushanka removed key players Warner and Smith, applying pressure with two maiden overs. Although Mitchell Marsh's quick fifty was notable, his run-out shifted the advantage to Sri Lanka. Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis guided Australia to an easy victory, with aggressive contributions from Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell leading to a win with 88 balls remaining and 5 wickets in hand. Securing this victory, the Australian team has earned their first points, elevating them to the eighth position. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka remains in the ninth spot without a win. Adam Zampa was awarded as player of the match for his brilliant bowling effort.