Australia have called wicket-keeper Alex Carey ahead of the first ODI against Indian National Cricket team on March 2 at Hyderabad. However, they are yet to take a call on the first XI, but skipper Aaron Finch said that Carey would don the wicket-keeping gloves.
Meanwhile, the management overlooked Alex Carey in the T20I series in favour of Peter Handscomb. The Melbourne Stars cricketer played a significant role in the unbeaten 99-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell in the second match in Bengaluru which Australia won to seal a 2-0 series victory. But the batting position of Carey is still unknown. While he opened the batting in the three-match Gillette ODI Series against India at home last month, Finch said the South Australian would likely bat at No.7 in the World Cup.
Keeper is likely to bat in the middle-order
“Alex has done well when he’s had his opportunities and I know he was really disappointed missing out on the T20 games,” Finch said. “But Pete had done a good job for the Stars and gave us the luxury of playing that extra bowler as well, which was so important at the end of the day. Going forward, (the keeper) is probably likely to be in that middle-order, No.7 spot,” he added.
Moreover, Aaron Finch confirmed he would 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. Also, concerns around his troublesome hamstring will see him miss the clash in Hyderabad.
Furthermore, Glenn Maxwell who showed tremendous form in the T20Is is likely to get a promotion in the batting order. Australia banked on his half-century followed by a century to whitewash India in the two-match series. The all-rounder’s return to form will be a huge bonus for the defending champions ahead of the ICC World Cup.