Pat Cummins Rested, Josh Inglis left out: Australia Name Strong Squad For Top End ODI Series

Despite the fact that Australia’s ODI series against Zimbabwe is still six weeks away, they have named a quality side for their top-end matches later next month. 

The 14-man team against Zimbabwe will be led by Aaron Finch, and the series will begin on August 28 at Riverway Stadium. Three games versus New Zealand will be played at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns following the series. 

Australia To Play With Only One Wicket-keeper

Since Test captain Pat Cummins is still being “managed through a period of recuperation and physical preparation for the forthcoming summer,” he is the only true starter who is absent from the team, which is almost fully stocked. 

Travis Head, a vivacious left-hander who had a brilliant white ball tour of Pakistan before suffering a hamstring tear against Sri Lanka, will miss the series because he is expecting his first child. 

Australia’s selection committee has chosen just one wicket-keeper, Alex Carey, above Josh Inglis. 

Given the shift in circumstances from the subcontinent, spinners Mitchell Swepson and Matthew Kuhnemann, as well as pacer Jhye Richardson, have been left out. 

Following the birth of his first child, elite spinner Adam Zampa rejoins the team. Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar (side strain) and bowling all-rounder Sean Abbott (broken finger) both re-join. 

Team Excited To Start Off A Huge Summer With These Matches In North Queensland: George Bailey

“These series against New Zealand, the world’s no.1 ranked ODI side, and Zimbabwe will be good contests and provide an opportunity to play some great cricket in the lead up to the home summer,” National Selection Panel chair George Bailey said in a statement. 

“The team is excited to be marking the start of a huge summer with these matches in North Queensland.” 

While the six games are of little significance, they will be a great opportunity for players like Finch, who have had a difficult few years, to regain their form before the T20 World Cup in Australia. 

Against Sri Lanka, the 35-year-old showed hints that he was emerging from his slump, but he concluded the series with back-to-back ducks, once again drawing attention to the forceful opener. 

India will host the ODI World Cup the following year. 

All-arounder Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, a successful Test batsman, and Steve Smith have opportunities to further solidify their roster spots. 

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