Cricket Australia has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, set to begin on November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head unavailable due to paternity leave, Pat Cummins returns as captain. The squad also includes Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short as openers.
The Pakistan team will face Australia in three ODIs, followed by a three-match T20I series from November 14 to 18. The second and third ODIs will take place on November 8 at the Adelaide Oval and November 10 at Perth Stadium, respectively.
Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, emphasized the importance of the series as preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the Test summer. He said, “This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy, and the squad balance reflects both that and individual preparation for the Test summer.”
In addition to Marsh and Head, Cameron Green has been sidelined as he will undergo surgery for a back stress fracture, ruling him out for six months.
Cummins, who missed the recent white-ball tour of England and Scotland, will lead the side in the 50-over format for the first time since Australia’s 2023 World Cup victory. The squad for the T20I series will be announced at a later date.
Australia ODI Squad:
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.
