Australia name one-day squad to tour India: Marnus Labuschagne called up as veterans axed
The Summer of Marnus has hit new heights, with Australian cricket’s golden boy earning a maiden one-day call-up – but there’s been a major clear-out of ageing stars after a failed World Cup campaign.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australia’s World Cup plans have gone out the window six months on with Josh Hazlewood back in the ODI team and Usman Khawaja brutally axed.
Despite Khawaja’s earlier sacking from the Test arena this summer, the Australian hierarchy has consistently defended the Queenslander, pointing to his untimely injury before the World Cup semi-finals as a major reason why the side didn’t go on and win the tournament.
Khawaja made over 1000 ODI runs this year at an average of nearly 50, and also dominated the domestic one-day cup.
Stream the Australia v New Zealand Domain Test Series Live & Ad-Break Free During Play with KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly>
Yet he was nowhere to be seen in Australia’s ODI squad chosen for three matches in India in January, in a clear sign selectors admit their World Cup theory of him batting at No.3 ahead of Steve Smith was flawed.
Unless one of Australia’s established ODI openers David Warner or Aaron Finch gets injured, Khawaja could have played his last match for Australia.
In reverse, Hazlewood was arguably the most controversial omission from the World Cup squad, with selectors unwilling to take a gamble on him being underdone despite his reputation as one of international cricket’s most reliable match-winners.
MORE CRICKET NEWS
TOO GOOD: ‘Houdini’ Smith will escape Kiwis’ trap
FALLOUT: Maxwell pays price for Cup disappointment
Australia instead preferred to go with fully fit players Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile in its World Cup squad, but Hazlewood’s return is perhaps at least in part a concession that you can’t beat class on the big stage.
Hazlewood is doubtful to play again this Test summer, but has successfully fought his way back into coloured clothing.
“It will be nice to have Josh back in the ODI squad. He didn’t make the World Cup squad, which there was a bit of conjecture about,” said coach, Justin Langer.
“But he hadn’t played much cricket with his back stress fractures. He’s bowling really well. He was the No.1 bowler in the world not that long ago in one-day cricket.
“Hopefully his hammy will come up, whether it’s for Sydney or certainly those one-dayers. I know he’s excited about being back in the one-day squad.”
As revealed first by The Daily Telegraph, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis were also dropped form the ODI side, while Marnus Labuschagne is set to make his 50-over debut after being called-up as well as Victorian Peter Handscomb.
National Selector Trevor Hohns didn’t reference Khawaja’s omission yesterday and Langer was not asked about the Sydney Thunder left-hander during his press-conference.
Khawaja told The Daily Telegraph last week he was hopeful of staying in the ODI squad but was looking at his cricket game by game.
The 33-year-old would appear to be facing an uphill battle to play for Australia again in any format.
Meanwhile, Langer will take a rest for the ODI tour of India in January, with new assistant coach Andrew McDonald to take the reins.
“I’ve been on the road for 18 months now and got a lot coming up,” said Langer.
“… It’ll be nice to recharge the batteries and get ready for South Africa and New Zealand and everything coming up after that.”
Australia ODI squad for Tour of India: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (vc), Pat Cummins (vc), Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa