With the ODI World Cup 2023 just two weeks away, teams are closely monitoring their players who are dealing with injuries that could jeopardize their participation in the tournament. Here’s a list of players facing injury challenges as they race against time to regain fitness before the event:
Axar Patel: The Indian all-rounder suffered multiple blows to his body during the Asia Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh. His match fitness is uncertain, but with India playing a three-match series against Australia and two World Cup warm-up games, he still has time to recover.
Travis Head: The Australian opener fractured his left hand during the fourth ODI against South Africa after being hit by a short delivery from Gerald Coetzee, casting doubt on his World Cup participation.
Steve Smith: The former Australian skipper is nursing a left wrist injury that sidelined him for four weeks. However, he is expected to return for Australia’s tour to India in late September.
Mitchell Starc: The left-arm Australian pacer suffered a shoulder injury and groin soreness after the Ashes in July. Like Smith, Starc is on track to be fit for the World Cup after returning to action in the India series.
Tim Southee: New Zealand’s Tim Southee fractured a bone in his right thumb while fielding in a one-day international against England, making his World Cup availability uncertain.
Also read: Tim Southee, Travis Head Out of World Cup 2023
Maheesh Theekshana: Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana sustained a hamstring tear during a Super 4 fixture against Pakistan and missed the Asia Cup final against India.
Dushmantha Chameera: Pacer Dushmantha Chameera picked up a shoulder injury during the Lanka Premier League and missed the Asia Cup 2023 as well as the ODI World Cup qualifiers.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Wanindu Hasaranga, another key Sri Lankan bowler, missed the entire Asia Cup due to fitness concerns. He will only play in the World Cup if there’s no risk of aggravating his injury.
Naseem Shah: Pakistan’s Naseem Shah injured his bowling shoulder during the Asia Cup and may miss the early Cricket World Cup matches in India.
Haris Rauf: The Pakistani right-arm fast bowler suffered a side strain during a match, but there’s hope he will recover in time for the World Cup, according to skipper Babar Azam.
Anrich Nortje: The South African pacer suffered a stress fracture in his back during the series against Australia. Medical scans indicate he could resume bowling after the series and be ready for the World Cup in India.