Pat Cummins returns as Australia unveil squad for Pakistan ODIs

Cricket Australia on Monday announced their squad for the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Pakistan set to commence in November.

Pat Cummins has returned to the team as captain whereas Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head have been ruled out as they are on paternity leave — essentially paving the way for the inclusion of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short who have been named in the 14-member squad as openers.

Pakistan will visit Australia for a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series scheduled from November 14 to 18 after the culmination of the ODI series with the second and third 50-over games on November 8 and November 10 at the Adelaide Oval, and Perth Stadium, respectively.

Australian chief selector George Bailey, as reported by the AFP, said: "This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy (in Pakistan) and the balance of the squad was focused on that as well as continuing to focus on the preparation of individuals for the upcoming Test summer."

"We view this as an opportunity to expand on that achievement in preparation for next February in Pakistan," he added while referring to the Champions Trophy set to be hosted by Pakistan next year.

Apart from Marsh and Head, Cameron Green has also not made it to the squad as the 25-year-old all-rounder will be undergoing surgery due to a back stress fracture which will rule him out for six months, said Cricket Australia in a statement.

Meanwhile, Cummins — who missed the white-ball tour of England and Scotland to rest — will be once again leading the team in the 50-over format for the first time since winning the World Cup 2023.

It is to be noted that the squad for the T20I series will be announced at a later date.

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