On Tuesday, September 1, Cricket Australia (CA) announced the ODI squad for the forthcoming Zimbabwe and South Africa tours. Australia will play three games apiece against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
While the three-ODI series commences on Tuesday, September 15, the trip to South Africa starts on Thursday, September 24, as the world champions start their preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
For the unversed, the 50-over World Cup 2027 will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Captain Mitchell Marsh and his opening partner Travis Head make their way to the squad after missing out on the Pakistan and Bangladesh series earlier this year.
On the other hand, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been named for the three-ODI tour to South Africa. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne has been axed from the squad after a lean run. Also, youngsters Joel Davies and Ollie Peake have retained their places following their decent efforts during the series in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year’s World Cup, being played in the same countries, for the group,” selection chief George Bailey said in a statement.
“As such it’s great to have Mitch (Marsh), Travis and Josh returning, then Pat and Mitch (Starc) for the SA leg. This gives us our core of players mixed with some we think will continue to make an impression,” he added.
“For Ollie and Joel, who we rate very highly, it’s another fantastic opportunity and a further chance for them to continue their exposure and growth in the Australian team,” he concluded.
Australia 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), Adam Zampa
ODI series schedule vs Zimbabwe:
First ODI: September 15, Harare
Second ODI: September 18, Harare
Third ODI: September 20, Harare
ODI series schedule vs South Africa:
First ODI: September 24, Durban
Second ODI: September 27, Johannesburg
Third ODI: September 30, Potchefstroom
