Marnus added to World Cup squad as star axed

Marnus Labuschagne has been drafted into Australia's 50-over World Cup squad at the expense of Ashton Agar, who's yet to recover from a calf injury.

It's the only change selectors have made to the preliminary 15-man squad ahead of Australia's one-day World Cup campaign, which will begin in a clash with India in Chennai next Sunday.

Travis Head has retained his position in the squad despite still dealing with a fractured hand, an injury he suffered during Australia's limited-overs tour of South Africa.

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Chairman of selectors George Bailey said it was a difficult decision to cut Agar from the squad.

"This was a tough call, but unfortunately, we couldn't carry both Travis and Ashton into the tournament with the injuries they have," Bailey said.

"We have made the decision to carry Travis through the early stages with the aim of him being available around the mid part of the tournament.

"He has been a really important player in this ODI team and we are hopeful his return can provide a positive impetus as it gets to the business end of the tournament.

"Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell are progressing well through the rehabilitation of their respective injuries and it was pleasing to see them return to the playing XI last night [as Australia beat India]."

Labuschagne was axed when Australia announced a preliminary 18-man squad in August, having averaged just 24.93 in one-day cricket since the start of 2022.

But the right-hander has reversed his rocky form on tours of South Africa and India, making 283 runs at 70.75 against the Proteas before scoring 138 runs at 46 against the Indians.

Australian World Cup squad

Pat Cummins (c)

Sean Abbott

Alex Carey

Cameron Green

Josh Hazlewood

Travis Head

Josh Inglis

Marnus Labuschagne

Mitchell Marsh

Glenn Maxwell

Steve Smith

Mitchell Starc

Marcus Stoinis

David Warner

Adam Zampa