Cricket News
Injury woes for New Zealand, Australia and South Africa ahead of ODI World Cup 2023
The 2023 ODI World Cup is just 20 days away from starting. Even before that, the practice matches are set to start. With just a little time left for the start, a lot of players from different teams are getting injured, which is causing trouble for the teams. Sri Lanka is playing in the Asia Cup 2023 without some of their main players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, and Niroshan Dickwella.
Maheesh Theekshana has joined the list of injured players and is set to miss the final of the tournament. Axar Patel of India is set to miss the final as well. Likewise, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf were ruled out of the tournament after the match against India. According to the reports, Naseem is doubtful for the first few matches of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Outside the Asia Cup, Australia is playing South Africa and England is playing New Zealand in the ODI series. The two series have also seen some injuries. Even before the series, many players were ruled out due to injuries. The sheer number of injuries the players have sustained has raised questions regarding the importance of players being fit before the big tournament. Here are 10 players from Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, who are injured.
10. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins (Source: Twitter)
Pat Cummins sustained a wrist fracture during the Ashes 2023 against England. In the fifth Test of the series at The Oval, Cummins sustained the injury and could not give his best. It came as a shocker as Cummins was going to lead the Australian team in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Australian lineup needs a fit Cummins for his calibre as a quick bowler and to lead the side. It was the start of a long list of injuries for Australia.
9. Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje (Source: Twitter)
Anrich Nortje had a lower-back injury in the ongoing ODI series against Australia. The tearaway quick also reported back spasms during the second ODI, which ruled him out of the third ODI of the series. The lower-back injury of Nortje kept him out of the fourth and fifth ODIs of the series against Australia. In the absence of Nortje, South Africa can miss its premier fast bowler. The management and the fans would be hoping for a quick recovery of Nortje.
8. Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma (Source: Twitter)
Temba Bavuma sustained an injury during the third ODI of the series against Australia. The South African captain sustained an adductor strain which ruled him out of the fourth ODI of the series against Australia. Though the injury was not serious and considered only a precautionary measure, it was still a big miss for South Africa. The opener of South Africa has been one of the best batters in the format in the calendar year 2023.
7. Travis Head
Travis Head (Source: Twitter)
Travis Head is the latest addition to the list of injured players from Australia. The Australian opener attempted a full shot against Gerald Coetzee of South Africa in the fourth ODI. The southpaw completely missed the pull and copped a blow on the left gloves. The injury of Head looks a bit serious. After the injury, the Australian batter could play only three balls and returned to the pavilion. After undergoing scans, the reports confirmed a fracture.
6. Steve Smith
Steve Smith (Source: Twitter)
Steve Smith suffered a wrist injury during the 2023 Ashes against England. Last month, it was revealed that the star batter played the last three Tests of the Ashes with tendon damage on his left wrist. Smith was reportedly hurt during the last day of the second Test at the home of cricket. The star batter was ruled out of the South African tour owing to the injury. Recently, the Australian middle-order batter hit nets and practised batting.
5. Cameron Green
Cameron Green (Source; Twitter)
Cameron Green was hit on the head by Kagiso Rabada in the first ODI of the series against South Africa. Upon the mandatory checks, Green was deemed unfit to play. Marnus Labuschagne came in as the concussion substitute for Green and became the Player of the Match for Australia. Green was not just ruled out of the first ODI but was ruled out of the entire ODI series against South Africa. The youngster is reportedly recovering well.
4. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell (Source: Twitter)
Glenn Maxwell sustained an ankle injury during the birthday party of one of his friends. Though the star performer is confident about his fitness, Australia does not seem to be in a hurry to have him back in the side. As Maxwell was on the tour of South Africa, he was practising in the nets when he felt the pain in his ankle. Following the incident, Maxwell was ruled out of the South African tour and the ODI series against India.
3. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc (Source: Twitter)
Mitchell Starc is one of the main weapons of the Australian team in the ODIs. The star bowler sustained a groin injury, which kept him out of the tour of South Africa. The left-arm pacer has a sensational record in the ODI World Cup. In 18 matches in the history of the ODI World Cup, Starc has 49 wickets at a stunning bowling average of 14.81, a bowling strike rate of 19.12, at an economy rate of 4.64, including six 4-wicket hauls.
2. Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell (Source: Twitter)
Daryl Mitchell sustained an injury during the fourth ODI against England at the home of cricket. The New Zealand cricketer was fielding against England when he attempted a catch to dismiss Jonny Bairstow. In the match, Mitchell bowled and claimed 2 wickets for his team. With the bat, the middle-order batter scored 4 runs in 14 balls. The commentators in the dugout said that Mitchell dislocated his left ring finger.
1. Tim Southee
Tim Southee (Source: Twitter)
Tim Southee seems to have suffered a serious injury during the fourth ODI against England at the home of cricket. In an attempt of a catch of Joe Root, the New Zealand pacer injured his thumb in the 14th over of the match. Southee attempted to catch the ball, but the impact was right on the thumb and deflected towards the third-man area. Southee did not come to bat against England and is reportedly set to miss the ODI series against Bangladesh.