USA have recalled experienced fast bowler Ali Khan to their 50-over squad after an absence of more than three years, as the side prepares for its final scheduled ODI assignment before the World Cup Qualifiers in Africa in February. The 35-year-old last appeared in the format for USA during the previous edition of the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
Alongside Khan, fellow fast bowler and former vice-captain Jasdeep Singh has also been recalled after recovering from an injury layoff. Singh had opted out of USA’s previous international assignment ahead of the Major League Cricket season in June. The two experienced pacers replace Rushil Ugarkar and teenage fast bowler Ritvik Appidi in the squad.
USA begin their four-match tri-series against UAE on Monday, with two wins from their remaining four fixtures across the next ten days enough to secure the top spot in the World Cup League 2 standings. That would take their tally to 23 wins from 36 matches across a three-year cycle.
Why does Ugarkar’s omission stand out?
Rushil Ugarkar may consider himself unfortunate to miss out given his recent performances in the format. The 23-year-old claimed 12 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of under six, which included a five-wicket haul in Dubai where he dismantled the UAE top order and helped bundle out the hosts cheaply.
His omission comes as the selectors opt for the greater experience of Khan and Singh ahead of the qualifiers. Former Pakistan international Ehsan Adil, also 35, retains his place, leaving USA with a pace attack that carries considerable international experience. The group is spearheaded by Saurabh Netravalkar.
How does the batting unit look ahead of the qualifiers?
Captain Monank Patel, vice-captain Sai Teja Mukkamalla, Shehan Jayasuriya and Milind Kumar are expected to form the core of the batting lineup once again. Mukkamalla and Kumar have been particularly consistent during the current World Cup League 2 cycle, both amassing over 1,100 runs at averages of 52 and 63 respectively.
Monank has not been at his most prolific in the last couple of ODI series, partly due to injuries, though he has still accumulated over 900 runs in the cycle at an average of 35. The upcoming fixtures offer him a chance to regain form ahead of the qualifiers. There is also an interesting selection call at the top of the order, where Smit Patel, who has close to 900 runs in the competition at an average of 36, is expected to hold the wicketkeeper-opener’s spot ahead of Shayan Jahangir despite the latter’s strong T20 franchise form.
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Hard-hitting finisher Sanjay Krishnamurthi retains his place and holds the highest strike rate among USA’s batters in the competition at 102. All-rounders Harmeet Singh and Shubham Ranjane continue to provide balance across disciplines. Looking further ahead, Andries Gous and Amshi de Silva, who attracted a $100,000 bid from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the ILT20 auction after a standout MLC season, remain potential additions for the qualifiers in February.
USA full squad for the ODI tri-series
Smit Patel, Monank Patel (C), Shehan Jayasuriya, Sai Teja Mukkamalla (VC), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Ehsan Adil, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shayan Jahangir, Yasir Mohammad, Ali Khan, Jasdeep Singh
