Watch: Australian Cricketers’ Day Out in Kerala Ahead of World Cup Warm-Up Match

After wrapping up a three-match ODI series against India, Australia are now set to feature in the all-important ICC Cricket World Cup, starting on October 5. Before going into the main event, the Aussies as well as other participating nations are slated to play a couple of warm-up matches. Australia will be up against the Netherlands for the first preparatory game on September 30 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A day before the match, some members of the Australian squad were spotted enjoying a day out in the coastal state.

Steve Smith, who was also part of the group, dropped some glimpses of the fun-filled outing on his Instagram. Marnus Labuschagne, wicketkeeper Alex Carey and pacer Sean Abbott accompanied Smith in the local sightseeing. The cricketers took some time to enjoy the majestic beauty of the Arabian Sea on an overcast morning. One of the clips was recorded from a sea-facing balcony amid heavy showers, with waves crashing against a rocky coastline.

The Australians also took a ride on an e-rickshaw to travel in Thiruvananthapuram. Smith was seen making a random video from the three-wheeler. Carey took the seat beside him, while Labuschagne and Abbott were standing on the rear.

After touching down at the Thiruvananthapuram Airport, the Australian squad received a grand welcome as a huge number of fans were waiting in the lobby. Breaking the news of their arrival, Steve Smith wrote on Instagram, “And, we have arrived in Thiruvananthapuram. Hopefully, I spelt that correctly.”

Following a 2-1 loss to India in the ODI series, Australia unveiled their confirmed 15-man squad for the World Cup on Thursday. The most notable exclusion was spinner Aston Agar, who recently featured in an ODI game against South Africa in Bloemfontein. The 29-year-old was dropped from the World Cup squad due to his persistent calf injury.

Marnus Labuschagne has made the cut as Agar’s replacement. Labuschagne was opted out of the initial squad. But some good knocks against South Africa and India have helped him earn the call-up.

Travis Head, who fractured his hand during the South Africa series, has been included in the squad. However, the right-handed batter will remain unavailable for some games in the initial phase of the tournament. Australia will begin their World Cup campaign with a match against hosts India on October 8.