Australia has announced its squads for the upcoming white-ball series against India, which kicks off on October 19 in Perth. The National Selection Panel confirmed both the ODI and the line-up for the first two T20Is on Tuesday, highlighting the return of several key players in anticipation of a busy home summer.
Mitchell Starc leads the ODI squad, making a comeback alongside Matthew Short and Mitchell Owen. Short returns after recovering from a side strain, while Owen is back after suffering a concussion during the recent T20 series in South Africa.
A significant inclusion is left-handed batsman Matthew Renshaw, who returns to the ODI side for the first time in two years, following strong performances in domestic one-day cricket for Queensland and Australia A.
In a notable absence, wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey will miss the opening ODI in Perth to participate in the second round of the Sheffield Shield. Josh Inglis is expected to don the gloves in Carey’s stead. Carey had already missed the first Shield round due to his selection for the recent tour of New Zealand.
Developments in the T20 Setup
Regarding the T20 squad, Josh Inglis and Nathan Ellis are making their returns. Inglis has recovered from a minor calf injury, while Ellis is back after attending the birth of his first child. Glenn Maxwell remains unavailable as he continues to recuperate from a fractured wrist sustained in New Zealand.
George Bailey, Chair of Selectors, elaborated on the selection strategy, emphasizing the balance between preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup and managing players for the domestic red-ball season.
“We have named a squad for the ODI series and first two games of the T20 series as there will be some management through the back end of the series as individuals prepare for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket. The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it’s an important period in the build towards the World Cup next year; however, we are trying to strike a balance to ensure we simultaneously prepare certain individuals for the Test series ahead,” Bailey stated.
Australia ODI and T20I Squads for the India Series
Australian ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
Australian T20 Squad (first two matches): Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
