World Cup T20: Australia's cautious step towards World Cup - Three key players now spared for India series

Mitchell Starc (knee), Mitchell Marsh (ankle), and Marcus Stoinis (side strain) have forced Cricket Australia to take a step of caution with them, considering the injury scare harrowing over crucial players of the game across different teams. 

Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis caught their injuries against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. But Mitchell Starc's late exclusion decision came after a scan on his knee. 

A statement from Cricket Australia read, "The injuries to the trio are minor, but with the travel involved for three games in three separate cities in six days in India. Australia has taken a cautious approach with their T20 World Cup campaign due to start on October 22 when they face New Zealand at the SCG."

As their key bowlers miss out, Australia will face India with a few changes to their desired playing XI. According to the reports, pacer Nathan Ellis, all-rounders Daniel Sams and Sean Abbott are the potential replacements for them on tour to India. 

"The absence of Stoinis all but guarantees Tim David will make his Australian debut on the tour as a middle-order finisher and gives him the chance to make it difficult for [Marcus] Stoinis to force his way back into the side."

"[Mitchell] Marsh's absence could see Steven Smith move back up to No.3 with all-rounder Cameron Green coming into the side, while Josh Inglis is likely to partner Aaron Finch at the top of the order with [David] Warner rested from the tour for family time," added the report.

Australia played a T20I series against India last time in 2019 when Australia won it by 2-0. It will be interesting to see how the team will perform with their leading players missing out. 

After the series in India, Australia will host West Indies and England before the World Cup to defend their title.