Pat Cummins, the hero captain who led Australia to ODI World Cup glory in India, will be rested for the upcoming white-ball tour of the United Kingdom, selectors announced on Monday, July 15. In his absence, star all-rounder Mitch Marsh will take over the captaincy duties for the five-match ODI series against England.
Mitchell Marsh takes the reins
Marsh, who previously led the team during the T20 World Cup, will be tasked with guiding a potentially new-look Australian team in the 50-over format. This tour marks the first since veteran opener David Warner’s so-called retirement from international cricket, opening the door for younger talents.
Fresh faces get a chance
Youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk has been included in both the T20I and ODI squads, signifying Australia’s commitment to blooding new talent. Similarly, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has earned a call-up to the ODI squad, replacing Matthew Wade who underperformed in the recent T20 World Cup.
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Star players return for ODIs
While Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell will miss the T20I matches, they are set to return for the ODI series, providing a significant boost to the Australian lineup. In the T20I squad, Cooper Connolly has received his maiden national call-up, further highlighting the focus on unearthing future stars.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey emphasized the importance of this tour in managing player workload and integrating new faces. While the T20I squad reflects a period of transition following the T20 World Cup exit, the ODI squad prioritizes stability with an eye on next year’s Champions Trophy.
“This tour presents a fantastic opportunity…as well as giving some senior players time to prepare for the home summer and a busy first half of next year,” Bailey said in his official statement. He elaborated on the long-term vision, highlighting the upcoming Champions Trophy and the crucial home Test series against India as key factors when selecting the squads.
“With the Champions Trophy on our doorstep early next year, the white ball series against Pakistan leading into the summer and a huge home Test series against India there has been a lot of planning invested into these next six months,” Bailey added.
“That has included gradual integration of new players into our white ball squads who have earned international opportunities via excellent form in Big Bash or state cricket.”
Australia’s squads for the UK tour
Australia T20I squad vs Scotland and England:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Spencer Johnson, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia ODI squad vs England:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis (wk), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
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