Another Australian National Cricket Team player has been injured as Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that 30-year-old left-arm spinner Ben Dwarshuis has suffered a “suspected pectoral strain”.
Ben Dwarshuis was finally able to make his ODI debut for Australia after playing three T20Is for the team. He received his first cap at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday, September 19.
Ben Dwarshuis has been given a chance to make his debut after several Australian players were injured and ruled out of the five-match ODI series against England. Nathan Ellis is out with a hamstring injury, while Riley Meredith is out with side pain. Xavier Bartlett has suffered a side strain as has Spencer Johnson, while Josh Hazlewood is dealing with calf problems.
Additionally, Mitchell Starc missed the first ODI due to illness and Pat Cummins is out of the tour as he is focused on building strength and conditioning. Due to all these issues, 19-year-old Mahli Beardman was added to the squad as a reserve, and Cooper Connolly, along with Ben Dwarshuis, remained in the main squad for England’s ODIs.
Ben Dwarshuis ‘suspected pectoral strain’ after bowling off balance from boundary – Cricket Australia
Meanwhile, Dwarshuis could only bowl four overs before leaving the field injured. He got one wicket in his turn by dismissing Phil Salt with a peach and gave away 18 runs. Cricket Australia later revealed that the player suffered a “suspected pectoral strain” while bowling off-balance from the boundary.
“Unfortunate news for Ben Dwarshuis and the already depleted Australia squad. CA have confirmed he has suffered a ‘suspected pectoral strain’ while losing his balance from the boundary during his ODI debut. He will not return to the field in today’s match #ENGvAUS,” Cricket.com.au wrote on X.
Unfortunate news for Ben Dwarshuis and Australia’s already decimated pace stock with CA confirming he suffered a “suspected pectoral strain” while losing his balance from the boundary during his ODI debut.
He will not return to the field in today’s match #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/aiILeRAkvO
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 19, 2024
Speaking earlier after losing the toss, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh said the Australian team is in good form despite injuries and the players are ready to play. He explained:
“We were going to play a match. The team is fine. Ready to play today. Benny Dwarshius is making his debut. The main thing is to teach the importance of winning and enjoy playing in front of the crowds here. He is an amazing member of the team. His career trajectory in the last few years has been incredible (talking about Zampa, who played his 100th ODI).”
Notably, Australia bowled out England for 315 in 49.4 overs after being invited to bowl first. Bowlers Marnus Labuschagne and Adam Zampa emerged as the top performers with their three wickets. Now, they will aim to chase the target of taking a 1-0 lead in the ongoing five-match ODI series and start the series on a high note against the Three Lions.
Australia (Starting XI): Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey(f), Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa
England (Starting XI): Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook(c), Jamie Smith(f), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid
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