Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of Australia's 17-man ODI squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, with captain Mitchell Marsh and fiery opener Travis Head returning to the side after missing the Ashes Tests.
The two veterans had been rested for Australia's previous 50-over campaigns against Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier this year.
The six-match ODI tour, starting with the first Test against Zimbabwe on September 15, will form an important part of Australia's preparations for next year's ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Mitchell Marsh to Lead Australia Team in Zimbabwe as Pat Cummins Returns for South Africa
Australia have named their squad without an official captain, with Marsh set to lead the side during the three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. Regular ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins will be back for the players' leg as he will be joined by fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc.
While Cummins will not be playing all of the three ODIs in South Africa, so Marsh could once again step in for the regular captain. According to cricket. com.au, Marsh has already had to deputize for Cummins 15 times since the pacer took over as Australia's ODI captain.
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Youngsters Joel Davies and Ollie Peake have kept their spot in the squad as they made a good impression during Australia's recent ODIs in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Their retention will give the selectors another chance to try a whole host of fresh faces before the 2027 World Cup.
The three-match series against Zimbabwe will take place in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20. Australia will then head up to South Africa for three more ODIs in Durban on September 24, Johannesburg on September 27 and Potchefstroom on September 30.
Cummins and Starc have been brought in for the South Africa leg, with Australia set to stay in the country for a three-Test series against the Proteas in October.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey spoke about the importance of the six-match ODI run as the players begin to build up towards next year's World Cup.
“This six-game series is an important lead-in to next year's World Cup, being played in the same countries, for the group,” Bailey said in a statement.
He was happy with the return of Marsh, Head and Josh Hazlewood before going on to say that Cummins and Starc would join the squad for the South Africa leg. Bailey was also quick to back up the young members of the group as he said the series would give Davies and Peake the chance to gain experience in order to continue with their development at international level.
Australia ODI Squad
Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only), Adam Zampa.