Australia has been dealt a significant setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh ruled out of the tour due to an ankle injury. The news comes as a major blow given Marsh's blistering recent form in the Indian Premier League, where he amassed 563 runs in 13 matches at an explosive strike rate of 163.18. Instead of traveling with the squad, he will remain in Perth to undergo further medical assessment and treatment.
Josh Inglis to lead Australia in Mitchell Marsh's absence
In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been handed the captaincy duties for the three-match series in Pakistan, which is scheduled to get underway on May 30. Marsh is just the latest high-profile absentee for the reigning ODI World Champions, as Australia’s premier pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are also skipping the assignment.
Following the conclusion of their matches in Pakistan, the Australian squad is scheduled to travel directly to Bangladesh for a multi-format white-ball tour consisting of both ODIs and T20Is. As of now, cricket officials have yet to confirm whether Marsh will recover in time to participate in that subsequent series.
Australia's updated squad for Pakistan ODIs:
Josh Inglis (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa
Meanwhile, PCB has already announced Pakistan's 16-member ODI squad for Australia series. The headline of the announcement is the return of former skipper Babar Azam, who anchors a reinforced lineup alongside fellow experienced campaigners Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan.
In addition to the veteran recalls, the national selectors have injected some fresh talent into the roster by naming three uncapped players. Wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir, fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal, and all-rounder Arafat Minhas have all earned their maiden call-ups to the 50-over format, having previously featured in only a handful of T20 internationals.
The squad's glove-work will be handled by Nazir and Ghazi Ghori, who have been named as the two designated wicketkeepers for the series. Their inclusion follows the unfortunate omission of explosive batter Usman Khan, who was not considered for national selection due to an ongoing illness.
Pakistan's squad for Australia ODIs:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim