Cummins returns as skipper, Marsh and Head out in Australia's squad for Pakistan series

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

10/14/2024

Cricket Australia has announced their 14-member squad for the upcoming home ODI series against Pakistan, with Pat Cummins returning as the captain. However, the team will be without Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, both of whom are set to miss the series due to taking paternity leave.

‌With Travis Head unavailable, Jake Fraser-McGurk gets the opportunity to play the full three-match series, aiming to secure his place in the white-ball squad. Matt Short is expected to open alongside him. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey, after impressive performances in the England series, has been omitted as he focuses on his red-ball preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Carey recently hit a century in the Sheffield Shield.

Cooper Connolly, who debuted in both ODIs and T20s during the September UK tour, is also included, along with rising allrounder Aaron Hardie. Hardie had a breakthrough series against England, contributing crucial runs at No.8 and key wickets as a first-change bowler.

The biggest setback is Cameron Green's back stress fracture, requiring surgery that will sideline him for six months, including the Champions Trophy and Test series against India and Sri Lanka.

Australia is set to face Pakistan in a three-match ODI series next month, with games scheduled in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Following the ODIs, they will also play three Twenty20s, though the squad for the T20 series will be announced at a later date.

Australia ODI squad for Pakistan series: 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

Cummins returns as skipper, Marsh and Head out in Australia's squad for Pakistan series

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