Marsh and Green missing as Australia announce ODI squad for Pakistan series

Australia announces ODI squad for Pakistan series, with key absences like Marsh and Green, Cummins returns as captain.

Australia's cricket team has announced key changes to its squad ahead of their upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head are both taking paternity leave.

This opens the door for Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short, who are expected to open the batting together.

In another significant development, Cameron Green has been left out of the 14-man squad. The all-rounder is set to undergo back surgery, sidelining him for six months. Green's absence leaves Australia without one of its key all-rounders as they prepare for both the ODI series and the upcoming Test summer.

Pat Cummins, who missed the recent white-ball tour of England and Scotland to rest, returns to captain the ODI team for the first time since leading Australia to victory in the 2023 World Cup.

Marcus Stoinis has also been recalled to the squad after being overlooked for the tour of England.

Promising young talents Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie have also been included, reflecting the selectors’ focus on balancing experience with rising stars.

Chief selector George Bailey emphasized that this series is crucial preparation for the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan in February 2025.

"This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy, and the balance of the squad was focused on that, as well as preparing individuals for the upcoming Test summer," said Bailey.

He praised the team's resilience during the UK tour, noting that despite illness and injury challenges, the one-day side delivered an outstanding performance.

Australia will play three ODIs against Pakistan, with matches scheduled in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. A squad for the following three-match T20I series will be announced later.

Australia one-day squad: Pat Cummins (capt), 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