In preparation for the forthcoming ODI series against the West Indies at home next month, Australia has rested their first-choice pace trio. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc have been kept out of the three-match series by the defending world champions, with Steve Smith leading the charge as captain.
Mitchell Marsh, an all-rounder, has also been rested by the selectors, while Marcus Stoinis has been left out of the team that won in India in November. Smith’s deputy will be Travis Head, who won player of the match in that World Cup final over India.
Lance Morris, an uncapped fast bowler, was selected for the 13-man roster and is expected to make his debut. Due to the unavailability of the first-choice pacers, Jhye Richardson, who last played for Australia in June 2022 in Sri Lanka, has won a return. Additionally selected are batsman Nathan Ellis, all-arounder Aaron Hardie, and leadoff man Matthew Short.
“It is a little over 12 months until the Champions Trophy and further opportunities for the likes of Aaron Hardie, Matt Short, Jhye Richardson, and Nathan Ellis will be valuable both to our ongoing improvement as a team and also further their personal experiences in ODI cricket,” George Bailey, the national selector, stated.
“Playing alongside some of our most seasoned players while keeping an eye on the future in this format, the squad strikes a balance between those looking to make their mark on international cricket and others”
The first match of the series is set to take place at the MCG on February 2, with the SCG and Canberra’s Manuka Oval hosting the other two One-Day Internationals.
ODI Team : Steve Smith (c), Travis Head (vc), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Adam Zampa.