Australian captain Pat Cummins is set to return to ODIs for the first time since leading the team to victory in the 2023 World Cup, as Australia announced a strong 14-member squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. The matches will take place from November 4 to 10.
Cummins missed the recent ODI series against England, which Australia won 3-2. Additionally, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head will be absent from the Pakistan series due to paternity leave. Batting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has not played in this format since the 2023 ODI World Cup, returns to the squad.
The series against Pakistan will be Australia’s final ODI matches before the crucial 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled for February in Pakistan. Chairman of selectors George Bailey highlighted the significance of this series in light of the Champions Trophy, stating in a message to ESPNcricinfo:
“This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy and the balance of the squad was focussed on that as well as continuing to focus on preparation of individuals for the upcoming Test summer.”
“The one-day side had a great result in the UK particularly given illness and injury challenges. We view this is an opportunity to expand on that achievement in preparation for next February in Pakistan.”
In addition to Head and Marsh, Australia will also be missing all-rounder Cameron Green, who has been sidelined for up to six months due to a back injury.
Other regular players include Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Adam Zampa. Young players Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and all-rounder Aaron Hardie remain in the squad from the recent white-ball tour of England.
Australia’s squad for the three ODIs against Pakistan
Pat Cummins (c), Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Matthew Short, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
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