The mega cricketing carnival – the ICC World Cup 2023 – is just a few weeks away while the participants are busy in the last-minute fine tunings before they assemble in India. The showpiece event begins on October 5 in Ahmedabad with a re-match of the last edition’s final – between England and New Zealand – in Ahmedabad. Before the main event unfolds, the teams will engage in practice games, in Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram, in what will be a precursor to the 45-day-long event.
But before the much-awaited tournament, a few big-ticket teams have been plagued by injuries. As the list keeps on getting longer, let’s have a look at the players who got injured right before the beginning of the 50-over World Cup in India.
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Anrich Nortje
The South African pacer has been ruled out of the much-awaited World Cup 2023. He had sustained a suspected lumbar (lower back) stress fracture. He underwent scans and tests after the second ODI against Australia, after complaints of lower-back spasms.
Sisanda Magala
Magala is another Proteas pacer who was ruled out of the World Cup 2023. He sustained an injury while playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023. He recently complained about a knee niggle in the ODI series against Australia and has been left out.
Axar Patel
The latest addition to the list of injured players is Axar Patel. The southpaw has hurt his quadriceps and has been ruled out of the Asia Cup final, to be held on Sunday in Colombo. Washington Sundar has been summoned to join the team as a replacement.
“Axar Patel has been ruled out of the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka due to a left quadriceps strain sustained during India’s Super Four match against Bangladesh on Friday,” read a BCCI release.
“The Men’s Selection Committee has named Washington Sundar as a replacement. The all-rounder arrived in Colombo this evening and has joined the squad,” it added.
Tim Southee
The veteran Kiwi pacer fractured his thumb while attempting a catch in the fourth and final ODI against England on Saturday. He was immediately taken for a scan and couldn’t take the field again.
“An X-ray has confirmed that Tim Southee dislocated and fractured a bone in his right thumb while attempting to take a catch in the 14th over of the first innings,” said a New Zealand team spokesman.
Southee’s participation in the World Cup is doubtful. However, New Zealand Cricket is yet to take the final call.
Travis Head
In what comes as a massive blow to Australia, star batter Travis Head fractured his arm in the fourth ODI against South Africa, putting his World Cup participation in jeopardy. The left-hand batter was struck on the left glove by a short delivery from Gerald Coetzee.
“I’m not a medical person but I think it’s a bit higher up than the finger itself … it’s in a joint (in the hand) somewhere. Fingers crossed with the World Cup fast approaching,” said Australia coach Andrew McDonald.
Glenn Maxwell
The dynamic Aussie allrounder was ruled out of the T20 series against South Africa due to a minor ankle injury. However, he is expected to regain his fitness before the team departs for India later this month.
“I still want to play some part of that India series. But I’m not feeling any pressure on it. The selectors and the staff have been brilliant with me as well. They don’t want to put too much pressure on me to sort of set that date because they know they’ve got a bit of extra time before the World Cup. So instead of rushing it and probably putting myself a week or two behind, being able to give myself extra time and make sure we get through the whole tournament,” Maxwell told ESPN Cricinfo.
Steve Smith
The former Australian captain was ruled out of the South Africa tour due to an injury to his left wrist. However, Smith is expected to return for Australia’s tour to India later this month.
Mitchell Starc
The star Australian pacer is another big name on the list of injured players. He hurt his shoulder and had a groin soreness after the end of the Ashes in July. After missing out on the South African tour, Starc is expected to be back for the forthcoming India tour and the subsequent ODI World Cup.
Maheesh Teekhshana
The Lankan spinner tore his hamstring in the last Super Four clash against Pakistan on September 14 in Colombo. He bowled 9 overs despite being in pain. However, the injury ruled him out of the Asia Cup final against India on Sunday.
Top order batsman Sahan Arachchige will join the squad while Theekshana undergoes rehabilitation, Sri Lanka Cricket said.
Wanindu Hasaranga
The star all-rounder is in a race against time to regain his fitness for the showpiece event in India. He picked up a thigh niggle ahead of the LPL final and had to miss out on the entire Asia Cup. As stated by the Lankan team management, Hasaranga will only return if he does not face the risk of aggravating the problem.
Dushamantha Chameera
A shoulder injury ruled, suffered during LPL, Chameera out of the Asia Cup and now, the question looms large over his participation in the World Cup 2023.
Naseem Shah
One of Pakistan’s frontline pacers, Naseem Shah has injured his bowling shoulder against India in the Super Four, failing to finish his 10th over. He was subsequently ruled out of their match against Sri Lanka.
As per media reports, initial scans showed the injury was worse than expected. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Saturday that Shah was still being monitored.
“The PCB medical team has been monitoring the status of Naseem’s shoulder injury. Medical consultations with the experts are underway to provide the best possible care to Naseem. The medical panel will decide on the fast bowler’s return to cricket based on further assessments,” PCB said in a statement.
Haris Rauf
Haris was another Pakistani player who got injured in the game against India. He suffered a side strain during his team’s loss against Pakistan, restricting him from taking the field on the reserve day. However, the team is hopeful for his return to the World Cup.
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