Marnus Labuschagne Omitted from Australian ODI Lineup Against Team India
Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the three-game ODI series against India, with in-form Queensland teammate Matt Renshaw getting a shock inclusion.
Recent Form Lead to Exclusion
Selectors dropped Labuschagne from the one-day international side after scoring just one run in each of his two innings during the top-end series against South Africa in August. Labuschagne has a top score of 47 in his previous ten ODI batting appearances.
The batsman has played 68 ODIs and accumulated 1,871 ODI runs at an average of 34.64, but will now focus on earning a Test recall in time for the Ashes starting in Perth on 21 November.
Renshaw's Return and Other Squad Changes
Labuschagne has shown signs of a return to form with 160 for Queensland in the domestic first-class competition this week, while Renshaw made a hundred for the Bulls in the same game against Tasmania.
Renshaw could to make his ODI debut in the forthcoming series against India after previously being selected in an ODI squad in 2022.
Renshaw has played 14 Test matches with the most recent appearance in India in 2023 but is also seeking a Test return as Australia seek a answer to their opening batting issues.
Bowling Additions and Fitness Updates
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc is back for the ODI series against India after taking a break since starring for Australia in the clean sweep of West Indies in July.
BBL performer Mitch Owen may earn his ODI debut after sustaining a head injury in the build-up to Australia’s previous 50-over series against South Africa.
Skipper Pat Cummins is still unavailable as he works to regain fitness from a spinal issue by the time to lead Australia in the first Ashes Test in November.
Squad Selection Strategy and Schedule
Australia have announced a squad for only the initial two T20 matches against India with the Ashes approaching, although Glenn Maxwell will sit out the five-game T20 series due to a wrist problem sustained in New Zealand.
Mitch Marsh will lead both the ODI and T20 sides after smashing a century in the last match against New Zealand to secure a two-nil victory last week.
“We have named a squad for the ODI series and first two games of the T20 series as there will be player management through the later stages of the series as players get ready for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket,” Australia chair of selectors George Bailey said.
“The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it’s an crucial phase in the build towards the T20 World Cup next year, however we are trying to strike a balance to ensure we simultaneously prepare specific players for the Test series ahead.”
Australia’s three-match ODI series against India commences on 19 October in Perth, before the rivals play five T20s from 29 October.
Australia ODI Squad:
- 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 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
