Australia squad for ODI series vs Pakistan – Pat Cummins to lead
ODI World Cup winning captain Pat Cummins has returned to the Australian squad and is all set to lead the team in their upcoming home series against Pakistan.
Cummins played his last ODI match back in ODI World Cup final in 2023, which Australia won. He was not part of the recently concluded UK tour.
However, as this will be Australia’s final ODI series before the Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year, the return of Cummins and the involvement of senior players in the squad are part of their preparation for the marquee event.
Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood are the key players included in the squad.
Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh left out as both granted paternity leave. While all-rounder Cameron Green also missed out due to a back injury that will keep him out of action for the next six months.
Head and Marsh’s unavailability will open the doors for both Matthew Short and young Jake Fraser McGurk to show their skill as openers.
It will be first time since Australia’s historic World Cup win last year that the pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will be seen together in 50-over games.
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Australia squad for ODI series 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
The ODI series will start on November 4. Iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the opening match of the series. The second ODI will take place at Adelaide Oval on November 7, followed by the final one on November 10 at Perth.
After facing off in the ODI series, both teams will then compete in a 3-match T20I series.
