Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell doubtful for the 1st ENG vs AUS 2024 ODI due to illness
At least three Australian players have been affected by an illness ahead of the first ODI against England in Nottingham on Thursday, September 19. Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are ill and are doubtful for the game, according to cricket.com.au.
The same illness forced T20I captain Mitchell Marsh to miss the second match of the preceding T20I series against England as Travis Head led in his absence. Josh Inglis and Jake Fraser-McGurk are also battling injuries, limiting Australia's options significantly.
Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis are likely to be part of the pace attack, while all-rounders Cameron Green and Aaron Hardie could fill in the remaining overs. Matt Short could alsobe a key player in Maxwell's absence.
Marsh and Head have recovered, making them available, while Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will also slot right back in after missing the T20I series.
"He certainly thrives off the bigger moments" - Mitchell Marsh on Adam Zampa ahead of 1st ENG vs AUS ODI
With Adam Zampa set to play his 100th ODI, Marsh said he is extremely fortunate to have the leg-spinner in the team and earmarked him to become one of Australia's greatest in ODIs.
Marsh was quoted as saying by Perth Now:
"We're still working through that but we'll have an XI on the park. He's certainly tracking towards being one of our greatest ever ODI players. I feel very lucky to have him in this team. There's no hiding behind the fact he's certainly one of our go-to men with the ball. One of the challenges he's taken in his stride in the last few years is being that person for us and he certainly thrives off the bigger moments, which all great players do."
The preceding three-match T20I series between the two sides resulted in a 1-1 draw, with the third T20I getting washed out.