AUS vs WI: Steven Smith To Lead As Australia Names ODIs Squad Against Windies, Key Players Rested

AUS vs WI: Cricket Australia named a 13-member squad for the upcoming 3-match ODI series against West Indies, scheduled to be held from February 2. In a move aimed at managing the workload, young batting sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk and emerging pace bowler Xavier Bartlett have received call-ups to Australia's ODI team set to face West Indies next month.

The shuffle comes as Glenn Maxwell is rested after his hectic schedule in the Big Bash league (BBL). Jhye Richardson misses out due to injury, sustained while playing for Perth Scorchers last month.

Steven Smith is named the captain of the Australian side in absence of World Cup winning captain Pat Cummins. All-format players Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh have also been rested for the three ODIs.

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Fraser-McGurk, widely acknowledged as one of the most promising batting talents in the country, has made headlines with his consistent performances in the domestic arena. Having moved from Victoria to South Australia, he notched a world-record 29-ball century in the Marsh Cup this season.

He had an outstanding BBL season for Melbourne Renegades, where he scored 257 runs at an impressive strike rate of 158.64. Recently making his debut for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, Fraser-McGurk scored a quickfire 54 off 25 balls.

Bartlett, currently the leading wicket-taker in this season's BBL with Brisbane Heat, steps in for Richardson. Bartlett's ability to generate sharp outswing has been an important factor in Heat's success, securing crucial powerplay wickets and contributing with crucial wickets during the death overs.

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Both Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett are on the cusp of their international debuts as they join the squad, with matches slated for Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.

Australia's ODI team are undergoing a transformation in preparation for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year and the four-year cycle leading to the 2027 World Cup, where they aim to defend their title won in India.

The squad reshuffle also sees opportunities for players like Matt Short, who will open the batting following David Warner's retirement, and Aaron Hardie, who steps into the role vacated by Marcus Stoinis. Additionally, Lance Morris is included in the mix as well.

 

Australia ODI Squad:

 

Steven Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Lance Morris, Matt Short, Adam Zampa