Marnus Labuschagne Omitted from Australia's ODI Team Against India
Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the three-game ODI series versus India, as in-form Queensland colleague Matt Renshaw receiving a unexpected inclusion.
Recent Form Result in Exclusion
Labuschagne has been omitted from the one-day international team after scoring just one run in his two batting efforts during the top-end series against South Africa in August. Labuschagne has a top score of forty-seven in his previous ten ODI batting appearances.
The batsman has played 68 ODIs and accumulated 1,871 runs at an average of 34.64, but will now focus on earning a return to the Test side in time for the Ashes starting in Perth on 21 November.
Surprise Inclusion and Other Squad Updates
Labuschagne has shown signs of a improvement in form with a score of 160 for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield this week, while Renshaw also hit a century for the Bulls in the same game against Tasmania.
The left-hander may to make his ODI debut in the upcoming series against India after his last inclusion in an ODI squad in 2022.
Renshaw has played 14 Tests with the last coming in India in 2023 but is also seeking a red-ball recall as Australia seek a solution to their opening batting issues.
Bowling Returns and Fitness Updates
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc makes a comeback for the ODI series against India after taking a break since performing well for Australia in the clean sweep of West Indies in July.
BBL performer Mitch Owen could make his ODI debut after sustaining a head injury in the build-up to Australia’s last 50-over series against South Africa.
ODI captain Pat Cummins continues to be absent as he hopes to heal from a back injury in time to captain Australia in the opening Test of the Ashes in November.
Squad Selection Approach and Schedule
Australia have selected a squad for only the first two T20s against India with the upcoming Ashes series, although Glenn Maxwell will miss all of the five-game T20 series due to a wrist injury suffered in New Zealand.
Mitch Marsh will lead both the ODI and T20 teams after scoring a hundred in the last match against New Zealand to clinch a 2-0 series win last week.
“Selectors have announced a squad for the ODI series and initial two matches of the T20 series as there will be some management through the later stages of the series as players get ready for the summer through domestic first-class matches,” Australia chair of selectors George Bailey said.
“The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it’s an important period in the preparation for the T20 World Cup next year, however we are aiming to find equilibrium to ensure we simultaneously prepare certain individuals for the Test matches ahead.”
Australia’s three-game ODI series against India starts on 19 October in Perth, before the rivals play five T20 internationals from October 29.
Australia ODI Team:
- Mitchell Marsh capt
- Xavier Bartlett
- Alex Carey
- Cooper Connolly
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Mitchell Owen
- Matthew Renshaw
- Matthew Short
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
Australian T20 Squad (first two games):
- Mitchell Marsh capt
- Sean Abbott
- Xavier Bartlett
- Tim David
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Mitchell Owen
- Matthew Short
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
