Jake Fraser-McGurk is set for another chance to cement his spot as an ODI opener for the three-match series against Pakistan at the start of November. The 14-man Australian squad, announced today (October 14) will leave out Travis Head and Mitch Marsh, who are on paternity leave. The door is thus open for Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short to present a new opening combination. Pat Cummins will captain the ODI side of Australia for the first time since winning the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have also been named along with the key batters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in the squad.
Balanced Squad With Young & Experienced Players
The inclusions are Cooper Connolly, the bright young fast bowler who also made his ODI and T20 debut during the September UK tour, and promising all-rounder Aaron Hardie.
Hardie had an excellent series against England, scoring significant runs coming in at No. 8 and taking crucial wickets as a first-change bowler.
Regulars in the white-ball format, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, have been named in Australia’s final ODI series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in February, to be played in Pakistan. Marcus Stoinis has got his recall to the ODI squad after being dropped for the last matches against England.
Back-up seamer Sean Abbott will remain in the team, with fewer bowling options available after injuries on the UK tour where Australia won the ODI series 3-2. Incumbent Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey is too good right now – he was in excellent form playing in England, but hasn’t been selected for the home matches as he would use the opportunities available in Sheffield Shield to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series back in his backyard.
Injuries A Major Concern For Australia
Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, and Riley Meredith all departed the UK tour early because of injuries, while left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson was ruled out prior to the tour because of a side strain. None of these has yet reported to play. The biggest blow of injury comes from Cameron Green, who has confirmed surgery on a back stress fracture that will result in six months of cricket, all but ruling him out of contention for the Champions Trophy, as well as for the Test series against India and Sri Lanka.
Australia Preparing For Champions Trophy 2025
“This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy and the balance of the squad was focused on that as well as continuing to focus on preparation of individuals for the upcoming Test summer,” George Bailey, Australian chair of selectors, said in a statement as quoted by The Guardian
“The one-day side had a great result in the UK, particularly given illness and injury challenges. We view this is an opportunity to expand on that achievement in preparation for next February in Pakistan.”
Australia ODI Squad
Pat Cummins (c), 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
AUS Vs PAK: ODI Record
Both Australia and Pakistan have played 108 matches with Australia established their dominance as they’ve won 70 matches whereas Pakistan has just won 34. There are only 3 matches that have no result and 1 was tied.
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AUS Vs PAK, ODI Series: Full Schedule
1st ODI: 4 November, starting at 9:00 am IST
2nd ODI: 8 November, starting at 9:00 am IST
3rd ODI: 10 November, starting at 9:00 am IST
