Australia named a revised squad for the 3-match One-day international series against West Indies. Glenn Maxwell captained the Melbourne Stars side while Jhye Richardson has been ruled out of the series due to an injury that he suffered in BBL 13 playing for Perth Scorchers.
Jake Fraser McGurk who had a breakout season for Melbourne Renegades in BBL 13 has been included in One-day international series. Brisbane Heat pace bowler Xavier Barlett had a brilliant season and will be included. Both could be given a chance to debut in the One-day international series.
Barlett is currently the leading wicket-taker in the BBL 13 season. He was named as the replacement for Richardson. Barlett has grabbed so far 17 wickets from 9 matches (9 innings) at an economy of 7.63 runs per over including best figures of 3 for 29.
His bowling has been on point picking wickets in powerplay overs and proven his worth by picking wickets in the death overs which helped Brisbane Heat finish top of the points table. They would play Adelaide Strikers in qualifier 2 today and hope to help the Heat qualify for the finals against Sydney Sixers.
Australia’s squad comprises youngsters and a few experienced players keeping in the mind Champions Trophy to be played in Pakistan next year. They would give chances to youngsters with the 2027 World Cup.
Bartlett felt he was still some way from national honours. “I haven’t had communication with the selectors or anything like that. I’m not there yet. I’m striving towards playing for Australia, but my short-term goal is just to play some consistent cricket.”
Matthew Short would open the innings after David Warner’s retirement Aaron Hardie would take the spot of Marcus Stoinis while Lance Morris would make his ODI debut. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc who has played all 5 Test matches at home so far with 3 against Pakistan and 1 in the series against West Indies have been rested for the series.
Steve Smith would lead the side for the ODI series while Mitchell Marsh has been also rested for the series. The bowling department of the Australian team for the ODI series looks inexperienced with the likes of Xavier Barlett, Lance Morris, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa.
The first One-day international will be played at Melbourne Cricket Ground on 2nd Feb, followed by 2nd match that will take place in Sydney on the 4th, and the final ODI to be played at Canberra on 6th Feb.
Australia’s Revised Squad for ODI series against West Indies
Matthew Short, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Fraser McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Lance Morris, Xavier Barlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.
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