Australia have finalised their squad for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India, and while they will have just one specialist spinner in Adam Zampa, chief selector George Bailey on Friday indicated that all-rounder Glenn Maxwell could also serve as a frontline spinning option.
The exclusion of left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, who was initially part of the preliminary 15-player team, became necessary due to an ongoing calf injury.
Bailey emphasised that Maxwell's abilities as a spinner in both T20I and one-day international formats make him a valuable spinning asset for the team. Maxwell recently showcased his prowess with a career-best performance of 4-40 in a win over India.
"It's unfair on Maxi to say he's not a specialist spinner. His Twenty20 and one-day international spinning record is pretty handy, and you can very much consider him a frontline option," Bailey stated.
In place of Agar, Australia have brought in batter Marnus Labuschagne and decided to include injured opener Travis Head in the squad with the hope that Head will recover in time for the latter stages of the tournament.
Bailey explained the squad's composition, acknowledging the need for balance when selecting only 15 players. He expressed confidence in the abilities of Zampa and Maxwell as spinners and noted the team's array of options in the fast bowling and all-rounders' departments.
Regarding Labuschagne, Bailey commended his recent performances against South Africa and India, particularly his approach at the start of innings and his ability to maintain momentum.
Australia's World Cup campaign is set to commence on October 82 in Chennai, with the first match against hosts India.
