Travis Head to miss first half of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Marnus Labuschagne front-runner to replace

Travis Head fractured his left hand during the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa.

Australian batter Travis Head is likely to be ruled out of the first half of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India due to a fracture he carried in the 4th One-day International against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Travis Head was hit by one of Gerald Coetzee’s short balls that struck on his left hand injuring and ruling him out of the first half of Cricket World Cup 2023. Head is also not part of the Australia squad for ODI tour of India. Cricket Australia announced their 18-member squad for the upcoming India tour and Travis Head didn’t find a place in the squad. 

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald provides update Travis Head

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald said that the Australian camp will be in deliberation on Travis Head whether they can ‘risk’ Head in the World Cup or not. McDonald said, “The time frame is still a bit loose at the moment but the good news is he doesn’t require surgery as it sits at the moment. There will be an extended period of time out and we have just got to weigh up whether that time out falls with an option to carry him through the front half of the World Cup. There’s no doubt he won’t be available for the front half, so that’s a decision we will have to make for the final 15.” 

Travis Head’s injury has opened the door for Marnus Labuschagne in the World Cup squad. Australia are yet to announce their final 15-member side for the World Cup 2023. They have picked a preliminary squad for the tournament but will take a final call before 28th September. Australia will be taking on India in a three-match ODI series to decide on the best 15-members for the World Cup 2023. Marnus Labuschagne has done a fantastic job for the Australian team in the recently concluded South Africa ODI series. 

Right-hand batter Marnus Labuschagne smashed a century and a half-century to contribute to Australia's victory in the first two ODIs. Labuschagne came as a replacement on the tour. Australian coach Andrew McDonald said, “He’s (Labuschagne) made a significant shift in his intent at the crease and put the bowlers under more pressure than he was potentially 12 months ago… We know he is a quality player… But he’s no doubt taken that opportunity with both hands and there’s no doubt he will be front and center when it comes to the 15-member squad."