Australia has made a late but impactful addition to their ODI squad for the forthcoming series against South Africa, enhancing their middle-order lineup and potentially setting the stage for Tim David’s inclusion in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Hailing from Singapore, the 27-year-old Tim David, although yet to make his ODI debut, has been a standout performer in the shortest format of the game. With an impressive record of 804 runs, averaging 38.28, and a striking strike-rate of 163.41, David brings dynamism and versatility to Australia’s middle-order.

In the recent T20I opener against South Africa, David’s explosive batting display garnered widespread attention. He blazed his way to 64 runs off just 28 balls, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s resounding 111-run victory. Coming in at a challenging 77/4, David partnered with skipper Mitchell Marsh to craft a scintillating 97-run stand, taking only 50 balls to do so. His innings included seven fours and four sixes, leaving cricket enthusiasts awestruck.

After the game, captain Mitchell Marsh praised Tim David’s significance to the Australian team, highlighting his ability to win matches with his unique style of play. Marsh expressed full confidence in David’s capabilities and referred to him as an outstanding asset for Australian cricket.

Tim David’s inclusion comes at a crucial juncture when Australia faces the absence of regular middle-order options due to injuries. Both Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell are unavailable for the South Africa ODIs, with wrist injuries and personal commitments respectively. This situation provides David with an excellent opportunity to make his mark in the 50-over format. Despite not featuring in a List A game for nearly two years, David boasts an impressive average of 82.77 and a strike-rate of 123.14.

One of David’s most enticing attributes is his ability to produce fireworks as a finisher in the latter stages of an innings. Australia’s selector, Tony Dodemaide, views David’s inclusion as an additional weapon in their arsenal for the crucial back-end overs.

The five-match ODI series against South Africa is scheduled from 7 to 17 September. With Tim David’s inclusion, the Australian ODI squad boasts an array of talent, making it a team to watch as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.