In preparation for a highly anticipated Test summer, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins is set to lead a 14-man squad in the ODI series against Pakistan. The series consists of three matches and is scheduled to commence on November 4 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Notably, this lineup will proceed without key players Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, both of whom are on paternity leave as they await the arrival of their newborns. Additionally, Cameron Green will miss the entire summer after making the decision to undergo back surgery.
Cummins’ preparation for the pivotal five-Test series against India will be unique this season, as he is not expected to participate in any Sheffield Shield matches prior to the Tests. Instead, all of his preparation will unfold within the ODI framework. There is a plan for him to play a one-day domestic match for New South Wales on October 25, which would serve as an important lead-up before the first ODI kickoff.
Considering the schedule, it remains uncertain whether Cummins will feature in all three ODIs against Pakistan. This uncertainty arises from the dense schedule, including a single day's break before transitioning from the second match in Adelaide to the third in Perth, which includes a lengthy travel segment. Furthermore, both Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are part of the ODI squad. However, it is anticipated that the bowling attack will see some rotation, as both Hazlewood and Starc are keen to partake in at least one Shield match before formally engaging in the ODIs.
The chair of selectors, George Bailey, emphasized that this ODI series marks the final opportunity for the squad to refine its dynamics before the Champions Trophy. The selection and configuration of the team have taken into account the need for balance while also focusing on individual preparation ahead of the Test series. Australia's performance during their recent tour of the UK provided a solid foundation, especially considering the challenges posed by injuries and illnesses. Thus, this series serves as a critical test for the team to build upon its previous successes and enhance its readiness for the upcoming series in Pakistan.
Among the notable inclusions in the squad is Marcus Stoinis, making a return to the ODI setup after being absent since the 2023 World Cup. Although omitted from the ODI section of the UK tour, Stoinis participated in the T20I series against Scotland and England. Despite not currently holding a state or Cricket Australia contract, he is edging towards qualifying for an upgrade and is gearing up for a critical role in the ODI series ahead. His inclusion becomes especially vital given Green’s absence and positions him as a key all-rounder alongside Aaron Hardie, as Australia may consider deploying a team composition that emphasizes all-rounder capabilities.
The selection of Josh Inglis as the sole wicketkeeper further underscores the team's strategic direction, particularly given that Alex Carey, who has delivered impressive performances in recent outings, is notably absent from this ODI squad. The void created by the absence of Marsh and Head provides a significant opportunity for a new opening combination. Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk are good candidates to fill this role throughout the series, with Short having made notable contributions during the UK tour and Fraser-McGurk primed for his debut in this ODI series.
Cooper Connolly finds himself in a unique position, being the sole player named in both the ODI squad and the Australia A squad, which will compete against India A in two four-day matches overlapping with the ODI series. The first of these matches is set to conclude on November 3, just one day prior to the first ODI, while the second match runs from November 7 to 10, coinciding with the second and third ODIs scheduled for November 8 and 10, respectively. Connolly’s participation seems assured for the initial Australia A match, after which he is expected to transition into the ODI squad for the subsequent matches.
As Australia approaches the T20I series following the ODIs against Pakistan, the current ODI squad has yet to finalize its selection. None of the Test players will be in action during this T20I series, which is slated to take place from November 14 to 18, as they will take a break to prepare for the first Test starting November 22. The absence of established figures such as Marsh, Head, and Cummins necessitates the appointment of a new T20I captain, and the coaching staff will also undergo changes, with head coach Andrew McDonald and several assistants opting to focus on preparations for the Test series against India.
The following list presents the Australia ODI squad against Pakistan: Pat Cummins (captain), 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 upcoming series promises to deliver exciting cricketing action and will significantly contribute to the preparation for Australia’s challenging Test campaigns ahead. The performances exhibited in these matches will undoubtedly influence selections and strategies moving forward, particularly as the team aims to refine its skills and bolster its competitive edge on the international stage.