Twelve months out from the World Cup, the writing is on the wall for Marnus Labuschagne after he was axed from Australia’s ODI squad for tour Zimbabwe and South Africa.
After a poor 50-over tour in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Labuschagne was among five players dropped for September’s tour, with Matt Short, Ben Dwarshuis, Todd Murphy and Liam Scott also left out.
Victorian teenager Ollie Peake has been an opportunity to impress with the bat, while NSW all-rounder Joel Davies could also make his ODI debut in the matches against Zimbabwe.
Lynchpin fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have both been selected, showing their intention to feature in next year’s World Cup and also be raring to go for the Australian summer of cricket.
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“This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year’s World Cup, being played in the same countries, for the group,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“As such it’s great to have Mitch (Marsh), Travis and Josh returning, then Pat and Mitch (Starc) for the SA leg. This gives us our core of players mixed with some we think will continue to make an impression.
“For Ollie and Joel, who we rate very highly, it’s another fantastic opportunity and a further chance for them to continue their exposure and growth in the Australian team.”
Australia will play three ODIs against Zimbabwe on September 15th, 18th and 20th, before taking on South Africa on September 24th, 27th and 30th.
Australia ODI squad for South Africa/Zimbabwe tour
- Xavier Bartlett (QLD/)
- Alex Carey (SA)
- Cooper Connolly (WA)
- Pat Cummins (NSW)
- Joel Davies (NSW)
- Nathan Ellis (TAS)
- Cameron Green (WA)
- Josh Hazlewood (NSW)
- Travis Head (SA)
- Josh Inglis (WA)
- Spencer Johnson (SA)
- Mitchell Marsh (WA)
- Oliver Peake (VIC)
- Matthew Renshaw (QLD)
- Billy Stanlake (TAS)
- Mitchell Starc (NSW)
- Adam Zampa (QLD)
