Spinners are expected to play a huge role in the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is set to be hosted exclusively by India for the first time. Spin bowlers who can contribute with the bat will be key players for the teams participating in the marquee event. In this regard, Australia had the advantage of having spin-bowling allrounder Ashton Agar in their ranks, who has around ten years of international experience.
However, with the World Cup beginning in just a week’s time, the five-time champions have suffered a devastating blow as the 29-year-old has been ruled out with a calf injury, as per The Daily Telegraph.
Agar has been dealing with calf issues for quite some time. During training with Western Australia, ahead of the away series against South Africa, the left-arm spinner suffered a minor calf tear. He missed the T20Is against the Proteas but returned for the ODI leg of the tour. However, after playing the first game, Agar was pulled out of the side after experiencing soreness in his calf.
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The Melbourne-born returned home for the birth of his child and missed the ODI series against India. However, he was named in Australia’s 15-member squad for the World Cup. It was expected that he would recover in time for the showpiece event, but unfortunately, things didn’t transpire in that way.
Ashton Agar has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup in India with a calf injury. [The Daily Telegraph] pic.twitter.com/Xgc271J8iQ
— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) September 28, 2023
Agar’s absence will be a major setback for Australia, as he was one of the few players in the squad who could contribute with both bat and ball. He has picked up 21 wickets in 22 ODIs at an average of 45.62, and has also scored 322 runs at an average of 24.77.
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The Aussies will begin their World Cup campaign on October 8 in Chennai against India. It remains to be seen who will replace Agar in the squad, but it will be a tough task for the team management to find a suitable replacement for such a versatile player.
Other Australian players who are currently injured or being monitored:
- Travis Head (hamstring)
- Nathan Ellis (toe)
