Australia is taking no chances ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup next month, with three important players ruled out of their impending tour to India. Mitch Starc (knee) and important all-rounders Mitch Marsh (ankle) and Marcus Stoinis (side) will miss the tour due to injury but are expected to be available for Australia’s opening T20 World Cup match against New Zealand on October 22.

Pace options Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams, and Sean Abbott have been added to the 15-man roster to cover the injured players, with the squad expected to fly to India later this week for the three-match series.

The loss of Stoinis may open the door for Tim David to make his Australia debut, while veteran batsman Steve Smith may be given the opportunity to bat at first drop in Marsh’s absence.

CA statement said, “Selectors felt with three games in six days across three cities – including travel to India and internally – Marsh, Stoinis and Starc are best served to remain in Australia to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup”

Experienced opener David Warner is resting for the tour, leaving right-hander Josh Inglis as one of Australia’s possibilities to partner Aaron Finch at the top of the order.

Glenn Maxwell talked about David’s absence too as he said, “One of the rare things he has which there isn’t a whole lot of in Australia is just raw power. He’s able to muscle the ball, much in the same way Stoinis and Mitch Marsh do it. They are power-hitters, and he [also] has a lot of power.”

“He’s probably developed his game a little bit over the last two years where he’s got a bit more off side, so he’s not a one-dimensional hitter; he’s able to clear the boundary in different areas. He does it against spin and quicks which is something that’s really impressive, and something that impressed me during the IPL as well [while] watching him go about his business.”

Other players who could be given a chance in India include Josh Inglis, who is expected to open alongside the injured Aaron Finch, and Green, who impressed in recent matches against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Green has only played 14 T20s in his career, but he recently confirmed a BBL agreement with Perth Scorchers for whenever he is available this season.

Meanwhile, Ellis came close to making the original squad following a strong showing in the T20 Blast and the Hundred, but he couldn’t get past Kane Richardson. Abbott was exceptional when he was put into the ODI squad for the last two matches against New Zealand, taking 4 for 32 from 15 overs.

Sams, who spent the offseason with the Mumbai Indians, Essex, and Trent Rockets, was a reserve for the previous T20 World Cup alongside Ellis.