Smith to lead Australia in India ODIs, Warner returns

AFP

New Delhi

Australia's captain Steve Smith gestures during the fourth day of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 12 March 2023AFP

Steve Smith will lead Australia in the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against India as David Warner returns to the side after recovering from an elbow injury, selectors said Tuesday.

The three-match series beginning Friday will give the Australians more useful practice on local wickets ahead of the ODI World Cup in India later this year.

Smith will stand in for Pat Cummins, who returned home after leading Australia in the first two Test matches to care of his ailing mother who died last week.

The visitors lost the series 2-1 – the fourth straight defeat to India – with the last match in Ahmedabad ending in a draw on Monday.

Star batsman Warner played in the first two Tests but returned to Australia after a blow to the head and injuring his elbow.

He was due to rejoin the squad in Mumbai on Tuesday following “two final rehabilitation sessions on his elbow”, Cricket Australia said.

Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Josh Inglis, Ashton Agar and Nathan Ellis – coming in for Jhye Richardson – arrived in India on Friday and trained in Ahmedabad.

Australia Squad

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa