Australia have named a host of fresh faces in new-look white-ball squads to face England, with young quick Mahli Beardman and allrounders Jack Edwards and Liam Scott among those receiving call-ups. The squads were announced on Monday.
Batting prospects Ollie Peake and Jake Fraser-McGurk have also been included, along with wicketkeepers Lachlan Shaw and Sam Harper. Mitchell Marsh will captain both the one-day and Twenty20 sides.
Selectors back young players ahead of 2027 World Cup
Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the matches gave several players, many of whom had recent tour opportunities, “a great chance to further demonstrate their ability against very strong opposition.” He said the series offers Australia’s next generation a chance to stake their claims before the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Beardman, Peake, Edwards, Scott, Nikhil Chaudhary and Joel Davies have made their white-ball debuts in recent times. Harper and Shaw are the two uncapped players. Bailey said they were good examples of players who had kept working on their game after international experience.
Senior stars rested before New Zealand Test series
Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are being rested ahead of a home Test series against New Zealand. The trio played their part in Australia’s 2-1 Test series defeat in South Africa.
Travis Head, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Cameron Green were named in the ODI squad but will not play the T20s.
Heavy schedule ahead for Australia’s Test players
Australia play three home ODIs against England between November 13-18, followed by five T20s. After the New Zealand series, the team travel to India for five Tests, then face England in a 150th anniversary clash in Melbourne before an Ashes campaign.
Bailey said Australia was “in the middle of a highly demanding phase of our schedule,” referring to its Test players. He added that each player’s build-up to the New Zealand series would be carefully planned, with a focus on physical and mental preparation.
