Australia has announced its squads for the upcoming white-ball series against England, leaving out senior pace trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Test captain Pat Cummins from the three-match ODI series. The team management has chosen to give the veteran fast bowlers a rest following an intense tour of South Africa. In their absence, exciting Western Australian speedster Mahli Beardman is in line to make his international ODI debut. The series will be played across Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart on November 13, 15, and 18 respectively. Meanwhile, selectors have also unveiled a fresh-looking squad for the subsequent T20 international matches, featuring maiden call-ups for domestic performers alongside several high-profile returns.
Squad Changes and Selection Highlights
With Nathan Ellis sidelined due to a side strain sustained during the South African tour and premier fast bowlers resting, Australia’s pace attack will feature fresh combinations. Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson will spearhead the bowling department alongside debutant Beardman. In the T20 department, Sam Harper and Lachlan Shaw have earned their first-ever international call-ups. Meanwhile, explosive batters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Mitchell Owen have been recalled to bolster the batting line-up for the shorter format. Notably, veteran power-hitter Tim David missed out on a spot in the ODI squad despite returning to List A cricket in a bid to secure a place for the 2027 ODI World Cup, though he retains his position in the T20 squad.
- Mahli Beardman primed for his maiden ODI appearance against England.
- Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood rested from the 50-over matches.
- Sam Harper and Lachlan Shaw handed maiden T20I call-ups by selectors.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk and Mitchell Owen make notable returns to the T20 side.
Upcoming Fixtures and Preparation
The absence of the seasoned bowling trio leaves an inexperienced attack to handle England’s aggressive batting line-up. Adam Zampa has been named as the specialist frontline spinner for the fixtures. Management will monitor how the younger seamers adapt to the pressure of international cricket before the domestic Sheffield Shield schedule resumes ahead of the Test series against New Zealand.
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