Australian cricketer Tim David has been granted the opportunity to make his One Day International (ODI) debut as he joins Australia’s ODI squad in South Africa. The middle-order batter’s explosive performance in the opening Twenty20 International (T20I) against South Africa caught the selectors’ attention.
David’s scintillating knock of 64 off 28 balls in the first T20I in Durban showcased his power-hitting prowess. Originally slated to join the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) following the T20 series, David’s inclusion in the ODI squad reflects his rising prominence.Despite having participated in only 16 List A matches throughout his career, David boasts an impressive average of 82.77 and a strike rate of 123.14. Remarkably, only one of these matches took place in the Australian domestic circuit, with the rest being for Singapore and Surrey.While it may be a late addition to Australia’s ODI World Cup plans, the decision to include David is aimed at affording him exposure to the 50-over format. The 15-player squad will be officially named in the upcoming week, and changes can be made up until September 28.
Selector Tony Dodemaide emphasized the opportunity that David’s presence offers. “Tim is already here for the T20 series which offers an opportunity to see how his game can translate to the one-day format,” Dodemaide noted. He highlighted that David’s capability to excel in the power-hitting role during the latter stages of an innings makes him a valuable asset.In the T20I match, David showcased his potential by leading a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 97 runs with newly appointed captain Mitchell Marsh. This partnership turned the tide for Australia, lifting them from a precarious 77 for 4 to an imposing total of 226 for 6.
Marsh lauded David’s composure and acknowledged his game-changing abilities. “The great thing about Tim is he’s very level headed,” Marsh commented. “His ability to win us matches is why he’s in this team. He’s an outstanding asset for Australian cricket.”Australia will miss the services of Glenn Maxwell, who is unavailable due to the birth of his first child and an ankle injury. Additionally, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Starc will be absent due to injuries. Captain Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a wrist injury, will join the squad for the South African leg but is expected to feature in the series against India at the end of the month. Mitchell Marsh will continue as the captain for the ODI series.
ODI Squad
The Australia ODI squad against South Africa includes Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Tanveer Sangha, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, and Adam Zampa.
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