‘Touch and go’ – Australia head coach confirms Marcus Stoinis’ unavailability for 2023 ODI World Cup match against India

The Australia cricket team is all set to lock horns against India on October 8 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai to open their campaign for the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, Pat Cummins and Co. have already lost the ODI series against South Africa and India ahead of the marquee event. The loss has placed them in the third spot in the ODI rankings.

Meanwhile, star all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who missed the last two ODI series against Rohit Sharma and Co., is set to miss their opening match against Men in Blue owing to injuries. Notably, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the 34-year-old picked up a hamstring niggle in the first ODI against India at Mohali, owing to which their side wasn’t ready to allow the right-handed batter in the practice games.

“Touch and go. He certainly hasn’t been ruled out of that, but we weren’t prepared to risk him in those practice games,” Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said.

These next couple of days are really important for Marcus Stoinis: Andrew McDonald

However, the former all-rounder affirms that they had some great training sessions ahead of their opening game, which will help Stoinis recover. The 42-year-old cricketer says that the next few days are very important for the Perth-born cricketer, as they will help him get his place in the match against India.

“We‘ve got the main session today and then another hit out tomorrow, so he’ll go through his work there and we’ll see whether he’s available for selection for game one. These next couple of days (are) really important for him to press for selection for game one, and we‘ll see how that unfolds,” he added further.

Meanwhile, some reports claim that Mumbai Indians star all-rounder Cameron Green will replace him in the clash against India due to his experience with Indian players in the IPL.