Australia have announced a 13-member squad led by Steve Smith for the upcoming ODIs against West Indies as captain Pat Cummins has been rested among other regulars.
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Several senior members from Australia’s triumphant World Cup squad have been given a break in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting from February 2. The new-look side is without the World Cup winning pace attack, comprising skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, all of whom have been given a break.
Apart from them, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh are also rested for the series to manage their workload, while speedster Jhye Richardson has missed out due to a side strain sustained during BBL 2023/24.
Among the newcomers, promising young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk and uncapped pacer Xavier Bartlett have earned their maiden call-ups.
Fraser-McGurk is one of the talented youngsters in Australia’s domestic circuit, who shot to fame with a 29-ball record-breaking ton in the Marsh Cup earlier this season. He translated his form in the subsequent BBL 2024 for Melbourne Renegades, scoring 257 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 158.64, including a blistering half-century.
Meanwhile, with 17 victims at 14.82, right-arm pacer Bartlett has been Brisbane Heat’s leading wicket-taker this season and has been instrumental in securing a semi-final berth for his team. He has been equally potent with the new ball, at the death, and in the power surge for his side.
With David Warner retiring, Matt Short is expected to open the innings for Australia, while firebrand pacer Lance Morris is on the verge of making his international debut.
Australia ODI squad vs West Indies: Steve Smith (c), Travis Head (vc), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Matt Short, Adam Zampa
