New Delhi: Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against India, while Mitchell Starc is making a comeback, and Matt Renshaw primed for a potential debut in the 50-over format.
Labuschagne’s exclusion comes as no surprise, given his underwhelming form in recent one-day internationals. His highest score in his last 10 ODI innings is just 47, and he struggled to make a significant impact during Australia’s series against South Africa earlier this year. His omission now allows Labuschagne to focus on a possible recall to the Test side, having impressed in the Sheffield Shield with a knock of 160 against Tasmania in the opening round.
Renshaw, on the other hand, has earned a call-up after a string of strong performances in List A cricket. His standout contribution came in the winter, when he scored a century for Australia A in a game against Sri Lanka in Darwin. While Renshaw is currently batting in the top order for Queensland in the longer format, he has excelled in the middle order for limited-overs cricket. Since late 2021, Renshaw has averaged 48.68 in List A matches, with six centuries to his name. Although he was named in Australia’s ODI squad for a series against Pakistan in 2022, he didn’t get a game, but this time he is set to feature prominently.
The squad also sees the return of paceman Mitchell Starc, who has not played an ODI since November 2022. Starc’s inclusion strengthens an already formidable bowling attack, which will be bolstered by the presence of key players like Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa.
While the team appears close to full strength, there are some adjustments due to the ongoing domestic schedule. Alex Carey will miss the first ODI to participate in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield fixture, as he had already missed the opening match for the T20I squad’s New Zealand tour. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who had been sidelined with a calf injury, has recovered in time and will feature in both the ODI and T20I squads.
As for the T20I series, Glenn Maxwell remains unavailable due to the wrist injury he sustained ahead of the New Zealand series. Cameron Green has been named in the ODI squad but will not feature in the T20Is as he prepares for the Ashes, with additional Shield cricket likely to be on his agenda.
The initial T20I squad is set for the first two games, with adjustments likely for the remaining matches based on the availability of multi-format players.
Australia ODI Squad vs India:
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Owen, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa
Australia T20I Squad vs India (First Two Matches):
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
