Before the World Cup, these two giants shock Australia from Africa series out 18 August 2023 photo source getty

The ICC ODI Cricket World Cup is to be played on Indian soil from October 5 to November 19. Before this World Cup, Australia has suffered a big setback.

Star batsman Steve Smith and fast bowler Mitchell Starc will not be able to play in the limited overs series against South Africa due to injury.

According to Cricket Australia, Steve Smith is recovering from a left wrist injury while Starc has a groin problem, though both are expected to be fit for the ODI series in India before the World Cup.

Smithstark will not be able to play in three T20 matches against South Africa from 30 August to 3 September, after which he will also be absent from the five-match ODI series to be held from 7 to 17 September.

Let us tell you that Australian captain Pat Cummins is also recovering from a wrist fracture, now his problems have increased due to Smith and Starc's injury.

In the absence of Cummins, Mitchell Marsh will be the captain in the T20 International series against South Africa, Marsh will also take this responsibility in the five-match ODI series.

Three ODIs against India will be played on September 22, 24 and 27 in Mohali, Indore and Rajkot respectively. This series will be important for the preparation of the World Cup starting from October 5.

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