Australia has included promising left-arm spinner Joel Davies in their ODI squad for the upcoming Qantas Tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. The 22-year-old is positioned for a potential international 50-over debut as the side begins serious preparations for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Davies, who plays for New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers, earned his maiden senior call-up earlier this year and made an immediate impact on his T20I debut against Bangladesh in June, claiming 3 for 17. It was the third-best figures on men's T20I debut for Australia as Bangladesh were bowled out for 131
Young spinner Joel Davies primed for ODI debut as Australia name squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa tour
A standout performer in the 2025-26 Big Bash League, the left-handed all-rounder has impressed with his control, flight and sharp fielding. The three ODIs against Zimbabwe begin in Harare on 15 September, followed by a three-match series in South Africa later that month.
Selectors have named Davies in a squad that also features the return of Pat Cummins for the South Africa leg only and the omission of Marnus Labuschagne, while the experienced pace trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are all available for the matches against the Proteas.
For Davies, the tour offers a clear pathway into the longer white-ball format. With Australia looking to build depth and experience ahead of the 2027 World Cup to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the young spinner’s inclusion signals the selectors’ willingness to blood new talent in conditions that will closely resemble those of the global tournament.
Davies will now hope to take the next step from his successful T20I introduction and stake a claim for a regular place in Australia’s ODI plans. Meanwhile, Labuschagne’s omission has taken the fans by storm, which has also raised questions about his future. With the new squad announced, it remains to be seen how the youngster, Davies, grabs fans' attention with his performance in this format.
ALSO READ: Australia announces ODI squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa tours; star batter loses spot, raising future concerns