Cricket Australia has officially announced its formidable squads for the upcoming white-ball showdowns against India. The big news? Star fast bowler Mitchell Starc is back in action, and promising uncapped batter Matthew Renshaw has earned a call-up to the ODI team. These squads, revealed on Tuesday, October 7th, are set to kick off a three-match ODI series on October 19th, followed by two T20 Internationals, all crucial steps in Australia’s journey towards the T20 World Cup next year.
Australia is preparing to host India for three ODIs and five T20Is, with the series commencing on October 19. (AP)
Starc, who recently stepped back from T20 internationals, rejoins the squad after a period of rest following the West Indies Test tour and his absence from the August series against South Africa. His return signals careful workload management as he prepares for the highly anticipated Ashes series.
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The 15-member ODI squad boasts four fresh faces alongside Starc: Renshaw, Matt Short, and Mitch Owen. Both Owen and Short had been originally named for the South Africa series but were unfortunately sidelined by injuries – Owen due to a concussion during the T20 series, and Short recovering from a rib cartilage fracture.
Both Owen and Renshaw are on the cusp of making their One-Day International debuts, a testament to their exceptional performances in recent domestic 50-over competitions. Renshaw, who previously served as cover in the 2022 ODI squad for Pakistan, had an outstanding last season for Queensland, amassing 305 runs at an average of 50. He also showcased brilliant form for Australia A against Sri Lanka A with scores of 80, 106, and 62.
These squad adjustments signal a pivotal rebuilding phase for Australia’s ODI team, prompted by the retirements of key players like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis, as they strategically prepare for the 2027 World Cup. Notably, Marnus Labuschagne has been omitted after a challenging performance against South Africa, where he managed just one run in each of his two innings.
Mitchell Marsh will retain his role as ODI captain as Pat Cummins continues his recovery from lumbar bone stress, with an eye on the upcoming Ashes series. Meanwhile, Alex Carey will sit out the first ODI in Perth to participate in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield fixture.
Mitchell Starc had previously missed the series against South Africa as his workload was carefully managed in anticipation of the Ashes. (Getty Images)
Selection chair George Bailey commented on the squad composition, stating, “We’ve selected a squad for the initial two T20 matches, anticipating some player rotation towards the end of the series to allow individuals to prepare for the upcoming Sheffield Shield season.” He further emphasized, “While the core T20 squad will stay intact as we build towards next year’s World Cup, we’re also focused on striking a crucial balance to simultaneously prepare specific players for the Test series ahead.”
The much-anticipated white-ball tour against India kicks off with the first ODI in Perth on October 19th, with subsequent matches in Adelaide and Sydney. The five-match T20 series then commences on October 29th in Canberra, with the opening two T20s at Manuka Oval and the MCG already seeing sold-out crowds, highlighting the excitement surrounding this series.
Australia’s ODI and T20I Squads Revealed
Here’s a detailed look at the selected Australian squads and the complete series schedule:
Australia ODI Squad:
- Mitchell Marsh (Captain)
- 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
Player Notes:
- Glenn Maxwell remains unavailable for the T20 series as he recovers from wrist surgery.
- Cameron Green is not included in the T20 squad, focusing on preparations for the first Test against England. He recently showcased his bowling fitness in Western Australia’s Shield match, taking 1-13 from four overs.
- Josh Inglis returns to the T20 squad after overcoming a calf strain and will serve as the white-ball wicketkeeper.
- Nathan Ellis makes his comeback to the squad following the recent birth of his first child.
Australia T20I Squad (for the first two games):
- Mitchell Marsh (Captain)
- 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
Australia vs India ODI Series 2025 Schedule:
- October 19: First ODI vs India, Perth Stadium, Perth
- October 23: Second ODI vs India, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- October 25: Third ODI vs India, SCG, Sydney
Australia vs India T20I Series 2025 Schedule:
- October 29: First T20I vs India, Manuka Oval, Canberra
- October 31: Second T20I vs India, MCG, Melbourne
- November 2: Third T20I vs India, Bellerive Oval, Hobart
- November 6: Fourth T20I vs India, Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast
- November 8: Fifth T20I vs India, The Gabba, Brisbane