Mitchell Starc returns to Australia’s ODI squad for the India tour after a workload break, strengthening the pace attack ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
Australia’s experienced bowler Mitchell Starc is set to return to the field once again. Cricket Australia has included him in the squad for the three-match ODI series and five-match T20 series against India.
The ODI series will begin on October 19 in Perth, while the T20I series will run from October 29 to November 8.
South Africa tour offered Starc a break because of work load to ensure he was fully fit to play the ashes series. But now they have brought him back to the field against India so that he would be prepared to make his appearances in the Ashes series. Starc is already retired in T20 international version of the game; thus leaving him with Test and ODI.
He has been the strength behind his bowling as he was simply amazing in his mix of swing with new ball and pace with old ball which has made him a very dangerous weapon.
The presence of Mitchell Starc will make the bowling department of Australia be stronger than ever before. He will be accompanied by his other fast bowlers who will include Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, and Ben Dwarshuis. In the meantime, the team will have Adam Zampa as its lead spinner whose service may be critical when playing [on Indian pitch]. Batting department has some trusted players such as Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and captain Marsh which is a compelling balance to the team.
Pat Cummins has been rested against India so that he can be fully fit for the Ashes series in November, which will be captained by Mitchell Marsh. Under Marsh’s leadership, Australia have been in good form in limited-overs cricket in recent times and his calm leadership provides stability to the team.
This time around, the team has seen the return of some old and new players who had been out of action for some time. Matthew Short and Mitchell Owen have recovered from their injuries and are returning to the team. At the same time, Matthew Renshaw has got the opportunity due to his good performance in domestic cricket and Australia A team.
Some of the players who played in the last series like Marnus Labuschagne, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardy and Matthew Kunman have been dropped from the team this time.
Australia ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), 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
Cricket Australia has also named the squad for the first two matches of the five-match T20I series, scheduled between October 29 and November 8, as part of their preparations for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Australia T20I squad (first two games): Mitchell Marsh (c), 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.
