Australia Announce ODI Squads for Zimbabwe and South Africa Series

Australia has revealed their One Day International (ODI) squad for the forthcoming series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, marking a significant preparation step for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. The series consists of three ODIs against Zimbabwe starting on September 15, followed by another three matches against South Africa from September 24.

The team will witness the return of several pivotal players who missed previous series in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Captain Mitch Marsh and opener Travis Head are back in the squad, bolstering the team's experience. Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been selected for the matches against South Africa, which precede a three-match ICC World Test Championship series against the Proteas set to begin in October.

Marnus Labuschagne, who has struggled recently in various formats, has been dropped from the squad. However, young talents Joel Davies and Ollie Peake retain their places after impressive performances during the earlier series.

George Bailey, the selection chief, underscored the importance of this six-match series as a crucial lead-in to next year's World Cup, stating, "This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year’s World Cup, being played in the same countries, for the group. 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."

The selected squad for the series is as follows:

Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only), Adam Zampa.

The match schedule for the series against Zimbabwe is as follows: - First ODI: September 15, Harare - Second ODI: September 18, Harare - Third ODI: September 20, Harare

For the South Africa series, the schedule is as follows: - First ODI: September 24, Durban - Second ODI: September 27, Johannesburg - Third ODI: September 30, Potchefstroom.