Skipper Pat Cummins returns as Australia announce strong 14-member squad for Pakistan ODIs
Australian skipper Pat Cummins is set to return to ODIs for the first time since leading the side to the 2023 World Cup triumph as the Aussies announced a strong 14-member squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. Australia will take on Pakistan in three ODIs from November 4 to 10.
Cummins missed the recent ODI series against England which Australia won by a 3-2 margin.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head will miss the Pakistan series on paternity leave. Batting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has not played in the format since the 2023 ODI World Cup, makes a return to the squad.
The Pakistan assignment will be Australia's last in ODIs before the all-important 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey stressed the importance of the series with the Champions Trophy in mind and said in a statement via 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."
Apart from Head and Marsh, Australia will also be without all-rounder Cameron Green, who was ruled out for up to six months earlier in the day due to a back injury.
The other regulars include Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Adam Zampa. Youngsters Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and all-rounder Aaron Hardie retain their places from the squad for the recent England white-ball tour.
Australia's squad for 3 ODIs vs Pakistan
Pat Cummins (c), 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.