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Cricket News: Australia possible playing XI vs England: Glenn Maxwell OUT, will Stoinis play? | Australia’s possible playing XI vs England at Ahmedabad
In a major blow for Australia, superstar all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out for at least the England game after suffering a concussion in a golf-related incident. Maxwell reportedly fell out of a golf cart earlier this week, which leaves a considerable hole in Australia’s lineup given how much they rely on his all-round ability.
Marcus Stoinis’ impending return does provide Australia with a boost, but the team needs significantly better returns with the bat from the all-rounder given he hasn’t hit a 50+ score since the 2019 World Cup. But, there is arguably no better time than a match against the old enemy to achieve it.
Australia’s possible XI for England match at Ahmedabad: 1. David Warner, 2. Travis Head, 3. Mitchell Marsh, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Marnus Labuschagne, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Josh Inglis (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
Australia with questions vs England: Where does Marsh bat & can they cover for Maxwell?
Australia had questions to answer even before the Maxwell drama. Their batting in the middle overs in this World Cup has left plenty to be desired. This was especially the case against New Zealand at Dharamsala after Travis Head and David Warner blasted a magnificent 175 in 19.1 overs.
Mitchell Marsh in particular has found it tough to get going against spin in the middle overs. Marsh has faced 111 deliveries against spin between overs 11 and 40 in this World Cup, hitting just 72 runs at a strike rate of 64.9. The struggles brought about criticism from Ricky Ponting and batting coach Michael di Venuto also acknowledged the situation post-match.
“We can be better certainly through that middle period,” di Venuto said. “There was some good bowling from their spinners. There’s areas we can certainly improve – batting out our overs would have been nice.”
This may certainly prompt Australia to change who they send in to bat at three depending on when the first wicket falls. If a wicket falls in the powerplay, the Australians may look to bring Marsh in to target the seamers. If it’s the middle overs, Smith is the better option given his proactiveness against spin.
“It‘s about adapting to the situation you go in at,” di Venuto continued.
“So if we lost an early wicket, Mitch goes in and plays like an opener. If we lose two early ones, Smudge (Smith) is in. On this occasion, a terrific opening stand, the game‘s a little deeper so you’ve just to adjust out in the middle and adapt.”
di Venuto also said all-rounder Marcus Stoinis “should be right” for the England match. He may be the straight swap with Glenn Maxwell, which raises the possibility of both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in the playing XI once again.
In terms of Maxwell, it is unclear when he will return. After England, Australia will take on confident Afghanistan at the Wankhede on Tuesday, which may be too soon for the all-rounder. Then, Pat Cummins’ team will meet struggling Bangladesh at Pune on November 11; the game in which Maxwell may make his comeback.
Australia will miss Maxwell’s services. He has smashed 196 runs at a strike rate of 148.48, including the fastest ever Australian and World Cup ton in 40 balls. Importantly, Maxwell’s offspin has been mighty effective, conceding just 4.82 per over across Australia’s first six games.
