Pat Cummins will lead Australia's ODI team for the first time since their triumphant 2023 men's Cricket World Cup victory, as a 14-player squad was announced on Monday to face Pakistan in three 50-over matches. The fast bowler was rested during Australia's tour of England and Scotland but returns to the fold for the upcoming home series, which serves as preparation for the forthcoming Test series against India.
Mitchell Marsh, who captained Australia during the white-ball tour of the UK, will miss the ODIs against Pakistan due to paternity leave. Similarly, explosive opener Travis Head will also be on paternity leave and has not been included in the squad for the series starting in Melbourne on 4 November. With Marsh and Head unavailable, and veteran opener David Warner now retired, young star Jake Fraser-McGurk has a chance to solidify his position at the top of the order.
The 22-year-old Fraser-McGurk made his international debut in an ODI against the West Indies in February and has since featured in four T20Is during Australia's UK tour, notably scoring a half-century off just 30 balls in his most recent innings against England. Matt Short has also been selected for the Pakistan series and will aim to build on his eight international appearances in the format.
All-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the squad after being omitted from the UK tour and dropped from Australia's World Cup-winning XI last year. Emerging all-rounders Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie are also in contention, while Cameron Green's absence is due to a back stress fracture that will keep him out for the summer. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has been preferred over Alex Carey in the 50-over format, and Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne have also been selected.
Australia will face Pakistan at the MCG, Adelaide Oval, and Perth Stadium, aiming to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming summer and the next ODI tournament. "This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy, and the squad's balance was focused on that as well as preparing individuals for the upcoming Test summer," said George Bailey, Australian chair of selectors.
Australia ODI squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
