Australia has included Marnus Labuschagne in their 14-man squad for the tour of India, which will be the team’s first 50-over international assignment since the 2019 world cup.
The 25-year-old hasn’t featured for Australia in limited-overs matches as yet but has registered an impressive run of scores in Tests. Even in his last List A appearance, he stroked a half-century for Queensland and was the man of the match in his team’s victorious campaign.
Australia has also included the pace duo of Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson, to go with the experienced trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Their inclusion for the three-match ODI series comes at the back of ‘successful T20 campaigns’.
“Similar to the Test team, we are wanting the white ball squad to continue the form of the unbeaten T20 Series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka,” Trevor Hohns, the national selector, said. “The performance of our white-ball squads has been strong, and we are hoping to build the momentum towards the T20 World Cup at home at the end of the year and ultimately build towards the 2023 ICC World Cup in India.
“The display of the top three at home during the T20 matches was very effective so we look for that to sustain in the Indian ODI format. We further consider Marnus Labuschagne is ready for his international white-ball maiden after his mighty form for Queensland in this form of the game.
“Ashton Turner has established himself in India with his experience to adjust to local circumstances as did Handscomb who entered the squad at the various recent World Cup. Peter also folds as a backup keeper if needed while Ashton Agar continues to the team with his all-round skills.
Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar will share the spin responsibilities even as Nathan Lyon had usurped the position of the lead spinner in the 50-over setup during the world cup.
“In courses of the bowling unit we are holding with the alliance that is operating well. Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson are in the team following the thriving T20 campaign,” he continued. “Adam Zampa and his developing succession with Agar is also something the selectors require to see more of while Nathan Lyon resides in the one-day squad selection structure.”
ODI Squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (VC), Pat Cummins (VC), Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Australian selectors have recalled Peter Siddle to the Test squad after having dropped him for the home series following the Ashes. He has come into the 13-man Test squad as a replacement for the injured Josh Hazlewood for the Boxing day Test against New Zealand.
“Peter has been drawn in as a 13th member for the boxing day,” Hohns said. “He is a certified Test match player with an outstanding knowledge of the MCG which will be a helpful part of our arrangement.”
Australia’s 13-man squad: Tim Paine (c), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins (VC), Peter Siddle, Travis Head (VC), Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner
