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The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is set to kick off on October 5th in India, and teams are facing a significant challenge with injuries to their key players. In the run-up to this prestigious tournament, several players across different teams are either battling injuries or struggling to regain full fitness. Among the teams facing the most injury concerns are Australia and Sri Lanka, while Pakistan and New Zealand are also grappling with injury-related issues. However, there is good news for India as Lokesh Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have recovered from their injuries.
Let's take a closer look at some of the injured players from each country:
1. Harris Rauf (Pakistan): Pakistan's fast bowler, Harris Rauf, suffered a muscle strain in his abdomen during a warm-up match ahead of the Asia Cup Super Four. Although there is hope that he will recover in time for the World Cup, his fitness remains uncertain.
2. Nasim Shah (Pakistan): Nasim Shah, another talented Pakistani bowler, sustained a shoulder injury while playing against India in the Asia Cup Super Four. His chances of participating in the World Cup are slim.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka's all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is among the players ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, with a significant setback preventing his participation.
4. Mahesh Tikshna (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka's enigmatic spinner, Mahesh Tikshna, suffered an injury to his hamstring during an Asia Cup Super Four match against Pakistan. It is highly unlikely that he will feature in the World Cup.
5. Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka's fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera missed the Asia Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury. His participation in the World Cup is uncertain.
6. Tim Southee (New Zealand): New Zealand's veteran fast bowler Tim Southee suffered a fractured right thumb while fielding during the fourth ODI against England. His availability for the World Cup is in doubt.
7. Kane Williamson (New Zealand): New Zealand's star batsman, Kane Williamson, sustained an injury during the IPL and has been away from cricket since April. While he has been included in the World Cup squad, his fitness status remains unclear.
8. Steve Smith (Australia): Former Australian captain Steve Smith suffered an injury to his forearm. He has been diligently working on his recovery, and there is hope that he will be fit in time for the World Cup. Smith is part of the squad for the ODI series against India.
9. Travis Head (Australia): South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee fractured Travis Head's left hand with a delivery. This injury casts doubt on Head's participation in the World Cup. Marnus Labuschagne might fill his spot.
10. Mitchell Starc (Australia): Mitchell Starc sustained a shoulder injury during the Ashes 2023 in July. Although he hasn't played any cricket since then, he has been included in the Australian squad for the ODI series against India, with his World Cup participation uncertain.
11. Anrich Nortje (South Africa): South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje missed the ODI series against Australia due to a stress fracture. However, there is hope that he will recover in time for the World Cup.
12. Akshar Patel (India): During the Asia Cup Super 4 match against Bangladesh, all-rounder Akshar Patel suffered injuries to his wrist and thigh. His participation in the World Cup is doubtful.
Injuries are a significant concern for teams as they prepare for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The fitness and availability of these key players will play a crucial role in determining each team's prospects in this highly anticipated tournament. Fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting updates on these players' recoveries as the World Cup approaches.
