Australia Names Strong Squad for ODI and T20 Series vs India

Australia has recalled several key players for this month’s home white-ball series against India. The squad includes experienced fast bowler Mitchell Starc and batter Matthew Short for the ODI matches, signaling a strong team selection for both formats.

Starc Makes T20I Comeback

Mitchell Starc, who recently retired from T20I cricket, will return to international cricket to face India. His inclusion strengthens the bowling attack, which is missing injured captain Pat Cummins. T20I captain Mitch Marsh will lead Australia in both ODIs and T20Is during the series starting October 19.

ODI Squad Updates

The ODI squad has seen four changes compared to the team that faced South Africa. Alongside Starc and Short, Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Owen have been recalled. Dropped players include Aaron Hardie, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Marnus Labuschagne, who will focus on domestic Sheffield Shield cricket ahead of the upcoming Test series against England.

T20I Squad Selection

For the T20I series, a 14-player squad has been named for the first two matches. Nathan Ellis and Josh Inglis return after missing the recent South Africa series. These T20Is will serve as preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year, allowing the team to test combinations and manage player workloads.

Selection Committee Notes

George Bailey, Australia’s selection chair, said, “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. The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it’s an important period in the build towards the World Cup next year.”

Australia ODI Squad

The ODI squad includes 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, and Adam Zampa.

Australia T20I Squad

For the first two T20I matches, the squad features 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, and Adam Zampa.

Series Schedule

The ODI series starts on October 19 in Perth, followed by matches on October 23 in Adelaide and October 25 in Sydney. The T20I series begins October 29 in Canberra and continues in Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane through November 8.

Preparing for World Cup and Domestic Cricket

With a mix of experienced players and young talent, Australia aims to challenge India in both formats. The series will also help prepare players for the upcoming T20 World Cup and domestic competitions, ensuring a balanced approach to international and domestic commitments.