Melbourne:Australia on Monday called up explosive opening all-rounder D’Arcy Short in place of injured pacer Sean Abbott in their ODI squad for the upcoming tour of India.
The tour begins on January 14 with the first One-day International in Mumbai. The second and third ODIs will be held in Rajkot and Bengaluru on January 14 and January 19, respectively. Short has been included in the squad after a side strain during a Big Bash League game ruled out Abbott for four weeks. With fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Kane Richardson already in Australia’s ODI squad, selectors have called in Short, a top-order batter who also bowls wrist spin, to replace pacer Abbott.
“It is extremely unfortunate for Sean, who is very much a part of our white-ball squad plans leading into the ICC T20 World Cup and the World Cup,” selection convener Trevor Hohns was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia. “D’Arcy offers the squad another spinning all-rounder option along with Ashton Agar, which, along with the four world-class fast bowlers and Adam Zampa, balances the squad out nicely.
His proven record and ability to bat anywhere in the order will also be a great asset to the squad.” Short has played four ODIs for Australia, hitting 83 runs at an average of 26.66. Unless there’s an injury, he will likely bat in the middle order given Warner and Finch are going to open. The last time Australia toured India for an ODI series was before the 2019 World Cup when they shocked the hosts 3-2 after being 0-2 down in the series.
David Warner and Steve Smith will also be touring India for the first time with the Australian team since the ball-tampering scandal, both expectedly figuring in the squad. Cricket Australia banned them for one year for their role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. On the other hand, Australia’s Nathan Lyon on Monday shot down a suggestion from Shane Warne that he take a rest for the Sydney Test against New Zealand this week so leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson can make his debut.
Tim Paine’s team have already won the three-match series against the Black Caps after crushing them by 247 runs in Melbourne on Sunday, following their comprehensive win in Perth.
Cricket great Warne has championed Swepson and over the weekend flagged the idea of axing Lyon if selectors opt for one spinner in Sydney.
“Just giving Mitchell Swepson a taste of it, giving him a chance, I reckon it will pay dividends in the long run,” Warne said. But Lyon, who took four wickets on Sunday to wrap up late New Zealand second innings resistance, said there was no way he would be standing aside. (Agencies)
