Cummins to Lead Australia in Upcoming ODI Series Against Pakistan
Pat Cummins has been appointed captain of Australia’s 14-man squad for the home ODI series against Pakistan, commencing on November 4 at the MCG. This will mark Cummins’ first 50-over match since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final victory over India last year.
The squad will miss Travis Head and Mitch Marsh, who are on paternity leave, allowing Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short to open the batting together.
Alongside Cummins, experienced all-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the squad after not playing since the 2023 World Cup, as he was not selected for the ODI leg of the recent UK tour. Regular white-ball players Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood are also included.
Young talent Cooper Connolly, who made his ODI and T20 debuts during the UK tour, is part of the squad, along with rising all-rounder Aaron Hardie, who had a standout series against England.
Selection Chair George Bailey emphasized the importance of this series as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February. “This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy, and we focused on balancing the squad while also preparing individuals for the upcoming Test summer,” Bailey stated.
“The one-day team performed well in the UK, especially given the challenges of illness and injury. We see this series as an opportunity to build on that success,” he added.
Australia Squad:
Pat Cummins (c), 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
Schedule:
- First ODI: November 4, Melbourne
- Second ODI: November 8, Adelaide
- Third ODI: November 10, Perth
