Ashton Agar is Replaced by Marnus Labuschagne Ahead Of The World Cup 2023
Ashton Agar, who has been part of the Australia One Day side for a bit now, has been unfortunately injured, and the replacement for Ashton Agar is Marnus Labuschange. The news came as a surprise to the Australian team and its fans. We will take a close look at what was the cause of this replacement only a few days before the World Cup 2023.
Ashton Agar’s Role in the side
The West Australian has been a good all-around player for the Australian team for a while now. He is a lower Middle Order batsman and a left-arm spinner. Ashton Agar has played 22 One Day Internationals for Australia. He has scored 322 runs at a strike rate of 82.98 and an average of 24.76. Although his batting form could have been more impressive, he can score handy runs at the back end of the innings and contribute a good score. His bowling is his strength. He has managed to pick up 21 wickets at an economy of 5.23. He has also improved his bowling and batting, so he was able to make his place in the World Cup squad. We all know that Indian conditions always favor the spinners. On the rank turners, Ashton Agar would have been a lethal asset for the Australian side against the opponents. Although the Australian side has good All-rounders, they will surely miss the great abilities of Ashton Agar in the World Cup.
The reason for the change
Due to a calf injury, Ashton Agar has been ruled out of the World Cup 2023 in India. The West Australian didn’t play any T20 International against South Africa but played a One Day International. After that, he flew back to Australia on the birth of his child. He was injured during the South African series. It is a big blow for Australia as they are going with one specialist spinner, Adam Zampa, and a part-time spinner, Glenn Maxwell, in the World Cup.
Marnus Labuschagne Credentials
Marnus has been a great addition to the Australian side. He performed well not only in test cricket but also in One Day Internationals. He has scored a handsome amount of runs for the Australian one-day side. Marnus Labuschagne ODI stats are very impressive. He scored 3268 runs at an average of 37.29 and a Strike Rate of 87.50. He has scored eight half-centuries and Two-centuries in One Day Internationals. Marnus is very spectacular in away conditions. Marnus has scored 542 runs at away venues with an average of 82.00. Marnus Labuschagne is the highest Australian One Day International scorer in 2023. Marnus has scored 464 runs at an average of 51.6 and a Strike Rate of 93.2.
Although he was sidelined and not named in the preliminary World Cup squad, his fortunes have changed. He has been named as Ashton Agar’s replacement. The reason for his inclusion was his great form. He scored great runs against South Africa, where he made his comeback because Steve Smith was out from the South African series due to a wrist injury.
Australia’s Revised World Cup Squad for 2023
Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Alex Carey(wk), David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbot, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Cameron Green.
Travis Head will also make a comeback after suffering from the injury. However, he will miss some matches of the World Cup 2023. Australia will play their first match of the World Cup 2023 against the hosts India on 8 October at 2 p.m. (IST) at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
