Post by : Rameen Ariff

Australia has recalled several key players for this month’s white-ball series at home against India, signaling a strong lineup for both the ODI and T20I contests. Experienced fast bowler Mitchell Starc and batter Matt Short are among the notable inclusions in the ODI squad.

Starc, who retired from T20I cricket just last month, will return to international cricket to face India, a team featuring former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. His comeback strengthens an Australian bowling attack that is still missing injured skipper Pat Cummins. T20I captain Mitch Marsh will lead the team in both formats during the series starting October 19.

The ODI squad has seen four changes compared to the side that faced South Africa last month. Along with Starc and Short, Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Owen have also been recalled. Dropping out of the ODI squad are Aaron Hardie, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Marnus Labuschagne, with Labuschagne focusing on Sheffield Shield cricket for Queensland ahead of the upcoming Test series against England.

For the T20I series, Australia has named a 14-player group for the first two matches against India. Nathan Ellis and Josh Inglis return to the side after missing the recent series against South Africa. These T20I matches will serve as preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year. Selection chair George Bailey noted that squad changes may occur for the latter part of the series to manage player workloads and prepare for domestic and Test cricket commitments.

Bailey said, “We have named a squad for the ODI series and first two games of the T20 series as there will be some management through the back end of the series as individuals prepare for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket. The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it’s an important period in the build towards the World Cup next year, however we are trying to strike a balance to ensure we simultaneously prepare certain individuals for the Test series ahead.”

Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Australia T20I squad (first two matches): Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Series schedule:
ODIs:

1. First ODI: October 19, Perth
2. Second ODI: October 23, Adelaide
3. Third ODI: October 25, Sydney

T20Is:

1. First T20I: October 29, Canberra
2. Second T20I: October 31, Melbourne
3. Third T20I: November 2, Hobart
4. Fourth T20I: November 6, Gold Coast
5. Fifth T20I: November 8, Brisbane

With key players like Mitchell Starc returning and a mix of experience and young talent, Australia aims to challenge India in both formats, while also using the series to prepare players for the upcoming T20 World Cup and domestic competitions.

#Sports News