AUS vs WI: Australia ODI Squad for West Indies Announced, Steve Smith To Captain Instead Of Pat Cummins

Australia announced their squads for the forthcoming ODI and Test series against West Indies. Steve Smith has been named as the ODI skipper as Pat Cummins is rested for the three-match ODI series. The ODI series will take place in February after the first two Tests this month.

Along with Pat Cummins, other key members like Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc have been rested for ODIs too. As a result, Steve Smith was the best option to lead the side. Notably, Smith also led Australia during the ODI series against India in March last year.

Australia vs West Indies ODI series will take place on February 2, 4, and 6. The opening clash takes place in Melbourne. The 2nd and 3rd games will be played in Sydney and Canberra. The 1st Test begins on January 17.

Also Read: AUS vs WI: Australia Promote Steve Smith As Test Opener In Shocking Move

Pacer Lance Morris Gets National Call-Up

Uncapped pacer Lance Moriss has been added to the squad for AUS vs WI ODI series in the absence of key pace bowlers. Players like Aaron Hardie, Matt Short, Jhye Richardson, and Nathan Ellis, who have less experience in ODIs, have also been awarded opportunities in AUS vs WI ODI series.

Australia Chief Selector George Bailey said that it will be a valuable opportunity for them to foster their personal experiences in ODIs.

“It is a little over 12 months until the Champions Trophy and further opportunities for the likes of Aaron Hardie, Matt Short, Jhye Richardson, and Nathan Ellis will be valuable both to our ongoing improvement as a team and also further their personal experiences in ODI cricket,” he said.

Also Read: AUS Vs WI: Matt Renshaw And Cameron Green Included As Australia Announce Test Squad for West Indies

He also added that the ODI squad is a balance of senior and young players.

“The squad strikes a balance between players continuing to make their mark on international cricket, playing alongside some of our most experienced players with an eye to the future in this format.”, Bailey added.

Below is the Australia’s Full Squad for WI ODIs

Steve Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Ellis, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Adam Zampa.

Steve Smith To Open In Tests

A surprising news that hit Australia Cricket on Wednesday was Steve Smith being promoted to opener in Test Cricket. David Warner has retired from the Tests and Australia needed a powerful batter to replace him.

Hence, for AUS vs WI Tests, the management has promoted Steve Smith as the opener. He will open the batting with Usman Khawaja during the Test series against West Indies. Smith has experience of more than 100 Tests for Australia.

However, he has refrained from opening the batting in the longest format. Therefore, Smith has to deliver two responsibilities against West Indies. First, he needs to justify his selection as a Test opener. Later, he needs to showcase his captaincy skills in ODIs.