ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Pat Cummins named captain in Australia's preliminary squad

AUSTRALIA HAVE ANNOUNCED their 18-man preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

Pat Cummins, who is still in the process of recovering from an injury, has been named as the captain. Leg spinner Tanveer Sangha may actually make an international debut in the World Cup if luck goes his way, and Aaron Hardie is a bit of a surprise inclusion.

The full squad is as follows...

Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

The team is still subject to change as the tournament draws closer. The focus from Cricket Australia selectors seems to be on constructing a team fit for Indian conditions; but given how the newly built pitches in India demostrate a bit of "international characteristics" where pacers also have something to work with, it's yet to be seen how much of that approach is ultimately necessary.

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.