Australia gear up for Pakistan series with 2025 Champions Trophy in focus

Pat Cummins will lead Australia's One-day International (ODI) side for the first time since their 2023 World Cup victory in November, as they gear up for a three-match series against Pakistan at home next month.

After resting during the white-ball tour of England and Scotland in September, Cummins returns to a 14-man squad featuring fellow fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, Australia's regular Test attack.

The squad also includes Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, along with white-ball specialists Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, and Adam Zampa. However, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head will miss the series as both are on paternity leave.

With Marsh and Head unavailable, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short are expected to open the batting. Furthermore, Cameron Green is ruled out of action due to back surgery, which will sideline him for six months.

Marcus Stoinis, who missed the England tour, makes his return, while young talents Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie have also made the grade.

Focus on Champions Trophy

The series against Pakistan will be Australia's final ODI matches before next year's ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Chief selector George Bailey emphasized the importance of this series in preparing for the Champions Trophy.

"This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy (in Pakistan) and the balance of the squad was focused on that as well as continuing to focus on preparation of individuals for the upcoming Test summer," said Bailey.

Australia's Glenn Maxwell looks on after top-edging a sweep during the fourth ODI against Pakistan in Sydney in 2017.Cricket Australia

"The one-day side had a great result in the UK particularly given illness and injury challenges.

"We view this is an opportunity to expand on that achievement in preparation for next February in Pakistan."

Australia will play Pakistan in three ODIs in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, followed by a three-match T20 series. The squad for the T20I matches will be announced later.

Australia’s ODI squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa