IND vs AUS | Marnus Labuschagne gets maiden ODI call-up; Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis axed
In-form batsman Marnus Labuschagne has received his maiden call-up to the Australian squad for the ODI series versus India after making a spectacular start to his Test career. Meanwhile, all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who misfired in the World Cup, have been axed from the squad.
Marnus Labuschagne has been a revelation for Australia in Tests this year, having backed up his impressive performances in the Ashes by scoring big hundreds versus Pakistan and New Zealand. This sensational form has been rewarded by the national selectors by giving him his maiden call-up to the ODI squad for the three-match ODI series versus India.
"The performance of the top order at home through the T20 series was very strong so we look for that to continue in the Indian ODI series. We also believe Marnus Labuschagne is ready for his international white-ball debut after his strong form for Queensland in this form of the game," national selector Trevor Hohns said, reported cricket.com.au.
The Australian team has not played a 50-over game since the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup but their T20 series wins versus Sri Lanka and Pakistan have shown that they are in stunning form and the team, led by Aaron Finch, will be hoping to build on the same form going into the series versus India.
"Similar to the Test team, we are wanting the white ball squad to continue the form of the unbeaten T20 Series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka," Horns asserted.
"The performance of our white-ball squads has been strong, and we are hoping to build the momentum towards the T20 World Cup at home at the end of the year and ultimately build towards the 2023 ICC World Cup in India," he further added.
The squad comprises strong depth with the likes of Ashton Turner in the mix who proved his finishing ability by single-handedly winning the ODI versus India at Mohali the last time Australia toured India. Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson will be providing cover to the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, whilst Peter Handscomb has also been included in the squad and will also serve as a backup keeping option for Alex Carey. Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa will be the spinning options for the Aussies with the batting ability of Agar giving them the necessary depth.
Two notable absentees from the squad are all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, both of who had forgettable campaigns in the 2019 World Cup in England.
"Ashton Turner has proven himself in India with his ability to adapt to local conditions as did Peter Handscomb who joined the squad at the most recent World Cup. Peter also doubles as a backup keeper if required while Ashton Agar adds to the squad with his all-round abilities," Horns stated.
"In terms of the bowling group we are sticking with the combination that are performing well. Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson are in the squad following the successful T20 campaign," he said.
"Adam Zampa and his growing combination with Agar is also something the selectors want to see more of while Nathan Lyon remains in the one-day squad selection frame," he further mentioned.
The three-match ODI series will be kick-off at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on January 14.
Australia ODI Squad vs India: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (vc), Pat Cummins (vc), Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa