Peter Handscomb believes that he will find a place in Australia’s team for World Cup 2023 despite missing out from the 26-man squad for his side’s tour to England. A disappointed Handscomb is still optimistic for the showpiece events scheduled to be held in India.
Peter Handscomb on being excluded from England tour
The 29-year-old Peter Handscomb last featured for Australia in the World Cup 2019 semi-final against England. Peter Handscomb so far has played 22 ODIs for Australia and is one of the upcoming stars. But when Australia named 26-man side for upcoming white-ball tour of England in September, Handscomb was not included in the team. This was a bit unexpected and Peter Handscomb did not hide his feelings while speaking with cricket.com.au about the same.
“I still thought I was in the top 20 one-day players given what I had done over the last year and a half. To not be in the 26, that really hurt. Going from being in the 15 and then having 11 guys essentially jump me – I know they’re different roles and different positions – but that hurt a fair bit.”
Hopeful about World Cup 2023
While his spin is an asset, he is facing huge competition from top-class mainstays of the team like Steve Smith, in-form Marnus Labuschagne and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. But a conversation with George Bailey gave him hope about the upcoming World Cup 2023. The World Cup is scheduled to be organized in India which is known to have spinner friendly grounds. So, Peter Handscomb believes that the World Cup 2023 will give him good exposure. “I had a really, really good conversation with George.” He added, “I would like to think with the World Cup in India in 2023 that I am at least on their radar.”
Peter Handscomb further opined, “I’d consider myself a good player of spin and being able to control those middle overs.” He concluded saying, “George did mention that in our conversation, that it is hopefully something I can aspire to. With that being three years away, there’s still a lot of cricket to be played and water to go under the bridge.”
