Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped from the three-match ODI series versus India, with high-performing Queensland colleague Matt Renshaw getting a shock inclusion.
Selectors dropped Labuschagne from the one-day international side following scoring just one run in his two batting efforts during the recent series against South Africa in August. Labuschagne has a highest score of forty-seven in his most recent ten ODI batting appearances.
The 31-year-old has played 68 one-day internationals and accumulated 1,871 ODI runs at an batting average of 34.64, but will now continue to press his claims a Test team comeback ahead of the Ashes starting in Perth on November 21.
Labuschagne has shown signs of a resurgence with 160 for Queensland in the domestic first-class competition this week, while Renshaw also hit a century for the Bulls in the identical match against Tasmania.
Renshaw could to make his white-ball international debut in the forthcoming series against India after his last inclusion in an ODI squad in 2022.
Renshaw has played 14 Tests with the most recent appearance in India in 2023 but is also seeking a red-ball recall as Australia look for a answer to their top-order woes.
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc returns for the ODI series against India after having time off since excelling for Australia in the 3-0 Test series sweep of West Indies in July.
Big Bash star Mitch Owen could make his ODI debut after sustaining a head injury in the build-up to Australia’s most recent 50-over series against South Africa.
Skipper Pat Cummins continues to be absent as he aims to recover from a back injury in time to lead Australia in the opening Test of the Ashes in November.
Australia have selected a squad for only the first two T20s against India with the upcoming Ashes series, although Glenn Maxwell will be absent for the five-game T20 series due to a wrist injury sustained in New Zealand.
Mitch Marsh will skipper both the ODI and T20 sides after scoring a hundred in the last match against New Zealand to seal a 2-0 series win last week.
“We have named a squad for the ODI series and initial two matches of the T20 series as there will be some management through the back end of the series as individuals prepare for the cricket season through Sheffield Shield cricket,” selection chief George Bailey said.
“The bulk of the T20 squad will remain together as it’s an crucial phase in the preparation for the World Cup next year, however we are trying to strike a balance to ensure we simultaneously get ready specific players for the Test matches ahead.”
Australia’s three-game ODI series against India starts on October 19 in Perth, before the rivals play five T20 internationals from October 29.
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