Australia's pursuit to continue their winning momentum in the ICC World Cup began with skipper Pat Cummins winning the toss and opting to bat first against Netherlands on Wednesday. However, opening batsman Travis Head didn't find a place in the playing XI after joining the squad and having recovered from the hand injury he suffered in South Africa just before the World Cup began.
"The bridge is still too far for Head. He still needs a few more days," said Cummins.
Australia, who have clinched the ODI World Cup five times, made one change to their lineup for the match in Delhi. Cameron Green replaced Marcus Stoinis, who has been sidelined due to a calf injury.
Australia faced a rocky start to their campaign with two losses but managed to bounce back with consecutive victories, currently holding the fourth position in the 10-team leaderboard that is led by unbeaten India.
The Netherlands, who recently stunned South Africa, are aiming to pull off another upset. Notably, Afghanistan defeated defending champions England in their last match at this venue, which also witnessed a record-breaking World Cup total of 428 by South Africa earlier this month.
The Dutch squad remains unchanged from their previous match against Sri Lanka. Skipper Scott Edwards expressed that he would have preferred to bowl first if he had won the toss.
"We have played good cricket but not for long enough. We would want to rectify that. The boys would want to do well," said Edwards.
PLAYING XIs
Australia: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max O'Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Scott Edwards (wk/capt), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren
(With AFP inputs)
