Senior players missing as Australia name squad for Pakistan ODIs

Australia have named a relatively inexperienced squad for their ODI tour of Pakistan later this month. Senior players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, have been excluded from all white-ball tours, including Pakistan ODIs and the subsequent Bangladesh ODIs and T20Is in June, as they gear up for the Test series against Bangladesh following this tour. Additionally, players on IPL teams still in contention have been allowed to continue playing in the league and will join the side for the Bangladesh tour. 

Youngsters Receive Opportunities

Mitchell Marsh, whose IPL team, Lucknow Super Giants, has crashed out of the competition, will lead the Pakistan-bound squad in the three-match ODI series. Australia have called up teenage batter Oliver Peake for the series, where he could become the country's youngest ODI specialist batter to debut. Peake, who also captains Australia’s U-19 team, scored 234 runs at an average of 78 in the U-19 ODI World Cup in February this year.

Additionally, pacer Liam Scott and spinner Joel Davies have also received their maiden call-ups. Scott will be joined by Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, and Billy Stanlake, who is set to play his first ODI since 2019, to form the pace attack.

George Bailey on Squad Selection

"It's always exciting to see new players get an opportunity to play international cricket and be a part of the national team," national selection chair George Bailey said.

"The blend of experienced players coupled with new or returning players will provide a nice mix for these subcontinent tours.

"Continuing to provide opportunities for players to develop across a broad range of conditions and experiences is important and will continue to be a focus over the next 18 months to two years."

Australia Squad for Pakistan ODIs:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, and Adam Zampa.

Australia's Schedule for the Pakistan ODI Series:

May 30: First ODI, Rawalpindi Stadium

June 2: Second ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

June 4: Third ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

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