Australia name ODI squad to play Pakistan

Sydney, Oct 14 (UNI) Australia Captain Pat Cummins will play his first 50-over match for his country since the victorious ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final against India last year.

Australia have recalled a pair of key players for next month’s ODI series at home against Pakistan.

Cummins and experienced all-rounder Marcus Stonis return to the 14-player squad for the three-match series, which will be the Aussies’ final hitout prior to next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

White-ball regulars Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood are also included in the squad, while top-order batters Travis Head and Mitch Marsh miss out due to being on paternity leave.

Youngsters Cooper Connolly and Jake Fraser-McGurk retain their place in the squad and all-rounder Aaron Hardie is in line to continue his journey at international level after impressing against England last month, an ICC report said.

There is no room for fellow all-rounder Cameron Green, who was ruled out for a period of up to six months earlier on Monday with a back injury.

Selection Chair George Bailey believes the series with Pakistan will form an important part of Australia’s preparation for February’s Champions Trophy event.

“This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy and the balance of the squad was focussed on that as well as continuing to focus on preparation of individuals for the upcoming Test summer,” Bailey said.

“The one-day side had a great result in the UK particularly given illness and injury challenges. We view this is an opportunity to expand on that achievement in preparation for next February in Pakistan,” he said.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short,

Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

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