Pat Cummins to captain Australia in Pakistan ODIs next month
- Pat Cummins will lead Australia’s one-day squad against Pakistan next month, marking his first captaincy since the Cricket World Cup win.
- The matches will be held in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, with key players like Josh Hazlewood and Steve Smith included in the squad.
- This series is vital for Australia as it serves as preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Australia is set to face Pakistan in a three-match one-day series next month, marking Pat Cummins' first time captaining the one-day squad since leading the team to victory in the Cricket World Cup last November. The matches will take place in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, and are crucial as they serve as the final one-day series before the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February in Pakistan. The squad includes notable players such as Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith, while Jake Fraser-McGurk has been given another opportunity after a disappointing performance in the recent Twenty20 series against Scotland. Fraser-McGurk is expected to open the batting alongside Matt Short due to the absence of Travis Head and Mitch Marsh, who are on paternity leave. Additionally, several players are recovering from injuries sustained during the England series, which has influenced the selection of the squad. Cameron Green, a test allrounder, will be sidelined for six months following surgery for a stress fracture in his back. The upcoming series is significant for the Australian team as they prepare for the challenges ahead in international cricket, particularly with the Champions Trophy on the horizon.