Is Tim David Eyeing an ODI Comeback After Maxwell and Stoinis' Retirements?

Perth, July 8 (NationPress) Australian all-rounder Tim David has dismissed the idea of a comeback to the ODI format following the unexpected retirements of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis from 50-over cricket.

As Australia restructures its team for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup, selectors believe that David, renowned for his T20 prowess, could potentially reclaim a place in the squad.

David has committed to another two seasons with the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL, yet he currently lacks a domestic contract in Australia. His participation in the domestic One-Day Cup for Tasmania was limited to just one match in November 2021, and he has not held a domestic contract since his initial agreement with Western Australia in 2017–18, prior to representing Singapore. Since his last ODI appearance in 2023, he has not engaged in any List A matches.

The 29-year-old has played only four ODIs for Australia but has been a significant contributor to the T20I team since 2022, boasting over 50 appearances in this format.

"I’m definitely having conversations with my coaches and people I trust about my game right now," David stated on Tuesday.

"Honestly, I’m not quite sure. It’s not in my immediate plans. This year is particularly busy, especially with the upcoming T20 World Cup. The winter looks quite different for me this time. Previously, I would have been competing for four to five months straight during winter. Now, with various T20 series lined up, I have little room to focus on anything else. We’ll see how it unfolds, but as of now, I have no plans to return to ODIs."

Currently, David is rehabilitating a hamstring injury in Perth as he prepares for Australia’s forthcoming T20I tour of the Caribbean, set to commence on July 20 in Jamaica. He’s taking advantage of a rare month at home following an injury during the IPL, where he played a pivotal role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing their first title, despite missing the playoffs due to his injury.

He was originally expected to make his comeback in the Global Super League with the Hurricanes, starting Thursday, but his recovery has taken longer than anticipated.

"Initially, that was the plan, especially with the Hurricanes participating in the GSL. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the injury, the timeline was quite tight. I have a few checks to complete with the CA team in Jamaica before they are fully comfortable, but I feel optimistic. The recovery process has been challenging, making it difficult for me to participate in the GSL," he explained.

The series against the West Indies marks the beginning of an eight-match T20I streak for Australia. After the five-match Caribbean series, they will return home to face South Africa in a three-match T20I series in Darwin and Cairns, followed by a three-match ODI series against the same opponent. Australia will then travel to New Zealand for three T20Is in early October, wrapping up with five home T20Is against India in late October and early November.

During this time, David will miss The Hundred due to a scheduling conflict with the South Africa series but is expected to return to the Caribbean to play for the St Lucia Kings in the CPL.