Australia set to miss a key batsman in first ODI against India
What's the story?
After pipping hosts by 2-0 in the T20I series, Australia is set to lock horns with India in the ODI assignment on Saturday. However, the visitors are going to miss one of its major players in the first ODI.
Shaun Marsh, who landed India this morning has been ruled unavailable for the match, owing to his hamstring problem and late arrival due to his second child's birth.
In case you didn't know...
After a horrible home series against India, Australia started their away assignment in style, trouncing hosts by 2-0 in the T20I series. The Men in Yellow displayed a dominating display of bowling and batting to seal the two-match series.
However, things might not be the same when the two teams come against each other in the One-day series. India has looked par strong in this format since last year while Aussies haven't been that impressive.
The heart of the matter
In awe of giving India a tough time during the five-match series, the Aaron Finch-led side has been trying to get their best bunch available for this assignment. Though, the team received a major setback with the unavailability of Marsh for the first ODI.
The left-handed batsman has been in exceptional form, scoring on consistent basis for Aussies in the white-ball cricket. The 35-year-old joined the squad this morning after staying at home to be present for the birth of his second child.
Since Marsh also has some hamstring problem, he is likely to be available only after the first ODI.
"Finch confirmed he will open the batting but veteran batsman Shaun Marsh is unavailable for selection for Saturday's match having landed in India early this morning after staying at home to be present for the birth of his second child,"
"Marsh's late arrival and concerns around his troublesome hamstring will see him miss the clash in Hyderabad." A report in cricket.com.au said.
What's next?
India and Australia will play the series opener tomorrow at Hyderabad with both the teams looking to gain winning momentum ahead of World Cup.