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SYDNEY: Cricket Australia (CA) have announced a fresh-looking squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, handing maiden international call-ups to teenage batting prodigy Oliver Peake and emerging all-rounder Liam Scott.
Australia are scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match ODI series beginning on May 30, but several senior stars have been rested ahead of the home Test series against Bangladesh later this year.
Regular captain Pat Cummins, along with premier fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, were among the notable absentees from the squad.
The selectors instead opted for a youthful combination featuring a blend of emerging talent and returning players as Australia continue to build depth in white-ball cricket.
Fast bowler Billy Stanlake earned his first national call-up since 2019 after overcoming a lengthy injury struggle, while pacer Riley Meredith returned to the ODI set-up for the first time since 2024.
Meanwhile, players involved in the latter stages of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) will miss the Pakistan series before joining the squad in Bangladesh following the tournament’s conclusion. Those players include Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis.
National selection chairman George Bailey said the subcontinent tours would provide an important learning opportunity for the next generation of Australian cricketers.
“It’s always exciting to see new players get an opportunity to play international cricket and be a part of the national team,” Bailey said.
“The blend of experienced players coupled with new or returning players will provide a nice mix for these subcontinent tours.
“Continuing to provide opportunities for players to develop across a broad range of conditions and experiences is important and will continue to be a focus over the next 18 months to two years.”
The ODI series will begin at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30 before the remaining two matches are played at Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and June 4.
Australia ODI squad for Pakistan series
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake and Adam Zampa.
