Australia have announced a 17-member One Day International (ODI) squad for back-to-back ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa later this month. Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of the touring squad, falling out of Australia's plans for their World Cup title defence.
The World Champions will begin the Africa tour with a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20. They will then face South Africa in three ODIs on September 24, 27 and 30, with matches scheduled in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to Join for South Africa ODIs
Australia have named all three of their leading fast bowlers, but Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will miss the three ODIs in Zimbabwe and join the squad for the South Africa leg.
Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia in Zimbabwe. Cummins remains the official ODI captain and will return for the South Africa series, although he is not expected to play all three matches. Marsh could captain the side again during the tour.
Travis Head will also return after missing Australia's ODI series in Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier this year, while Josh Hazlewood will be part of the squad. Selection chief George Bailey explained the thinking behind the squad:
"This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year's World Cup, being played in the same countries, for the group. As such it's great to have Mitch, Travis and Josh returning, then Pat and Mitch for the SA leg. This gives us our core of players mixed with some we think will continue to make an impression."
Marnus Labuschagne Dropped from Australia's ODI Squad
Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe and South Africa. The 32-year-old has averaged just 21.87 across his last 18 ODI innings and was dropped to No. 7 during the second ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
Labuschagne played an important role in the team's 2023 World Cup triumph and has missed only five of the team's last 56 ODIs since late 2022. However, his recent form has put his place in the team's plans for the 2027 World Cup under pressure.
Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (SA only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (SA only), Adam Zampa
Youngsters Oliver Peake and Joel Davies Retain Their Spots
The selectors have backed several young players in preparations for the 2027 World Cup. Cooper Connolly, Oliver Peake, Joel Davies, Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, and Billy Stanlake have all been included.
Davies is in line to make his ODI debut after playing his first international matches against Bangladesh in Chattogram in June. He provides another left-arm spinning all-rounder alongside Connolly, who has recently returned to bowling after recovering from a back stress issue.
Spencer Johnson is also set to return to ODI cricket after more than a year away from the format. He recently made his comeback in T20Is in June. Bailey backed Peake and Davies to make the most of their opportunities.
"For Ollie and Joel, who we rate very highly, it’s another fantastic opportunity and a further chance for them to continue their exposure and growth in the Australian team."
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