Australi have rewarded all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne for his consistency in Test cricket as he has been named in the ODI squad for the tour of India which takes place next month. Labuschagne has smashed three centuries in as many Tests he has played at home in the ongoing season. The 25-year-old’s inclusion meant Glenn Maxwell was dropped from the ODI squad.
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Labuschagne has played 33 List A matches in which he has 1173 runs and eight wickets. He will likely make his debut in the ODI series.
Josh Hazlewood, who was surprisingly left out of the World Cup squad, has returned to the ODI fold. Sean Abbott, who was earlier recalled to the T20I squad, made it to the ODI team as well.
Nathan Lyon, despite taking over as the lead spinner during World Cup, was dropped. Jason Behrendorff, a member of Australia’s World Cup squad, underwent back surgery recently and wasn’t available for selection.
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Aaron Finch will continue to lead the team and will be assisted by Pat Cummins and Alex Carey. The three ODIs of the series will be played on January 14, 17 and 19 in Mumbai, Rajkot and Bengaluru, respectively.
Squad: Aaron Finch (Captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Peter sidle called up for Boxing Day Test –
Experienced pacer Peter Siddle, who was a part of the Ashes 2019 squad, has been recalled to the Test squad in place of injured Hazlewood. Though Siddle might not get a chance in the playing XI.
James Pattinson, who missed the first Test against Pakistan before going down in the pecking order, looks frontrunner to be included in the playing XI. If not him, Australia might hand debut cap to Michael Neser, who has been waiting for his debut since Ashes 2019.
The Boxing Day Test kicks off on December 26 at Melbourne CricketGround. Australia lead the series 1-0, courtesy their 296-run win in Perth.