Australia trim preliminary squad for Cricket World Cup, Nathan Ellis among 3 to miss final cut

Australia have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The preliminary team, revealed last month, originally consisted of 18 players, but has now been trimmed down. Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis and Tanveer Sangha are the players left behind in this process.

Pat Cummins will continue to lead the team, with additional support from fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Sean Abbott, chosen over Ellis, is reserved as back-up speedster. Two spinners, Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa, will add variety to the bowling attack.

The batting lineup is strong, featuring David Warner, Steve Smith and Travis Head as top-order batters. Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green will build on this strength in their capacity as all-rounders.

Alex Carey and Josh Inglis will serve as wicketkeepers for the squad, with Carey expected to be the primary choice, given his commendable performance during the 2019 World Cup.

Currently, the Australian team is in South Africa preparing for an ODI series against South Africa. Following this, they will travel to India to play a three-match ODI series.

The team will have further opportunities to fine-tune their skills and strategies through warm-up games against the Netherlands and Pakistan. The World Cup tournament will kick off for the Australians on October 8, where they will compete against hosts India in Chennai.

Australia’s World Cup squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.