On Friday (8 March), the selection committee announced the 15-member Australian squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Currently, the Australian national cricket team is busy in India tour. After winning the two-match T20I series by 2-0, Australia is now playing the five-match ODI series against the host side. The selectors have selected the same main 15-member Australian ODI squad, which is touring in India, for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan in UAE.
It means the 28-year-old right-arm pacer Kane Richardson returns to the national side. Though he was initially in the ongoing India tour, later he was ruled out without playing a match due to an injury. Andrew Tye has replaced him for the ongoing ODI series in India tour but has missed out the upcoming UAE tour.
In the ongoing India tour, D’Arcy Short is in the ODI squad as cover for Shaun Marsh. However, he has also missed out the upcoming UAE tour. Meanwhile, Shaun Marsh has retained his place in the ODI squad.
As usual, Aaron Finch will lead the Australian side in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. On the other hand, Alex Carey and Pat Cummins both remain in the vice-captain charge.
The five-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia in UAE will run from 22nd March to 31st March 2019.
Steven Smith and David Warner’s international returns face delay
The one-year bans of Steven Smith and David Warner will finish on March 28. Both are currently recovering from their elbow surgeries.
Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that both are unavailable for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. After completion of their bans, they could play the last two ODIs in the forthcoming tour in UAE. But after observing their medical conditions, the selectors have decided not to add them in the national squad.
However, the CA has given them the green signal to play the upcoming IPL season. Steven Smith will play for Rajasthan Royals (RR), and David Warner will play for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2019.
The chief selector Trevor Hohns said, “After consultation with members of the National Selection Panel, Greg Chappell and Head Coach Justin Langer, Interim EGM Team Performance Belinda Clark, CA Medical Team and both players, it has been agreed Steve Smith and David Warner will not be available for selection for the final two matches of the series against Pakistan.
“While their bans will be finished on March 28, Steve and David have been working through rehabilitation from elbow surgery and it has been agreed the best pathway for them to return to play is in the Indian Premier League, a strong competition which features some of the world’s best players.”
Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming UAE tour: Aaron Finch (captain), Alex Carey (vice-captain), Pat Cummins (vice-captain), Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa
The full schedule of Pakistan vs Australia ODI series in UAE
(Five-match ODI series)
22nd March: First ODI (D/N) – Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Sharjah)
24th March: Second ODI (D/N) – Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Sharjah)
27th March: Third ODI (D/N) – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium (Abu Dhabi)
29th March: Fourth ODI (D/N) – Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Dubai)
31st March: Fifth ODI (D/N) – Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Dubai)