Marnus Labuschagne DROPPED as Australia announce squad for Zimbabwe & South Africa ODIs
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Australia are the defending champion of the ICC ODI World Cup.
International cricket is entering a very crucial phase as several teams start preparing for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. The teams have hence begun planning for a perfect combination before entering the marquee tournament. For Australia, the upcoming assignments in Africa offer excellent preparation for the conditions in which the World Cup will be played.
Australia are the reigning World Champions of the 50-over format after they won the sixth World Cup title in 2023. They have a six-match series scheduled against Zimbabwe and South Africa. The selectors might be aiming for a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young cricketers, as they look to lift the World Cup twice in two seasons.
The tour begins against Zimbabwe in Harare with three matches scheduled on September 15, 18 and 20. Australia will then travel to South Africa for the next set of matches scheduled to be played on September 24, 27 and 30 in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom respectively.
Marnus Labuschagne misses out as Australia focus on World Cup preparation
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Australia have named a 17-member squad for the ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Mitchell Marsh will lead the side against Zimbabwe, while skipper Pat Cummins will return for the South Africa ODIs. Mitchell Starc, the veteran pacer, will also feature only in the South African leg of the tour.
One of the biggest talking points of the announcement is the omission of Marnus Labuschagne. The experienced right-handed batter played a crucial role during Australia’s 2023 World Cup triumph in the final against India. However, now he has been left out of the squad just before the World Cup preparation begins.
Labuschagne’s Test form has been awful recently, and in ODIs he has averaged only 21.87 across his last 18 ODI innings. This makes his omission look obvious; however, he remains a significant player if the side want to stabilise their middle order with some experience.
Instead of depending on senior players, selectors have shown faith in young cricketers like Joel Davies, Oliver Peake and Cooper Connolly, who have been included in the squad for the upcoming One-Day internationals.
Several notable names return to ODI action with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, after they missed a few of team’s previous campaigns in Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, the biggest positive for Australia remains the return of the big 3 fast bowlers ahead of the South Africa series.
Australia announce 17-member ODI squad
Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only) and Adam Zampa.
How many ICC ODI World Cups have Australia won?
They have won the ICC ODI World Cup a record six times.
Who are the No. 1 ranked ODI side by the ICC?
India are the No. 1 ranked ODI team in the world according to the official ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.