Marnus Labuschagne named for ODI debut

The in-form batsman has replaced Usman Khawaja in the squad for the three-match series in India.

Marnus Labuschagne has been named in the ODI squad for the tour of India. Picture: Getty Images

Marnus Labuschagne has come into the ODI squad apparently at the expense of Usman Khawaja.

The brilliant young batsman who has scored 1000 runs in both Test and County cricket has replaced his Queensland captain in the long and short forms of the game.

Khawaja was a key player in the World Cup and coach Justin Langer has said since he thought the Australians would have gone deeper into the tournament had he not been injured.

Glenn Maxwell has been left out, the batsman who has taken time out of the game to deal with mental health issues did not have a strong World Cup.

“It is great to see Glenn Maxwell returning to the game in the Big Bash League,” selector Trevor Hohns said. “We will closely monitor his form after what would have been a disappointing 12 months in the one-day game by his standards.”

Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile are the other players dropped, while Jason Behrendorff is injured.

Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar and Ashton Turner have all been added to the team which will be coached by Andrew McDonald.

Andrew McDonald will coach Australia during the ODI series in India. Picture: AAP

Senior coach Justin Langer will have a break for the brief three-match series in mid-January.

The squad is very similar to the one which beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the T20 series at the start of the summer and Hohns says it has been picked with an eye to the World Cup.

“The performance of our white ball squads has been strong, and we are hoping to build the momentum towards the T20 World Cup at home at the end of the year and ultimately build towards the 2023 ICC World Cup in India,” Hohns said.

“The performance of the top order at home through the T20 Series was very strong so we look for that to continue in the Indian ODI series. We also believe Marnus Labuschagne is ready for his international white ball debut after his strong form for Queensland in this form of the game.”

Labuschagne came to the Australian side on the strength of his 50 over form but has averaged 58 at Test level.

“Ashton Turner has proven himself in India with his ability to adapt to local conditions as did Peter Handscomb who joined the squad at the most recent World Cup. Peter also doubles as a backup keeper if required while Ashton Agar adds to the squad with his all-round abilities,” Hohns explained.

“In terms of the bowling group we are sticking with combination that are performing well. Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson are in the squad following the successful T20 campaign.

“Adam Zampa and his growing combination with Agar is also something the selectors want to see more of while Nathan Lyon remains in the one-day squad selection frame.”

Langer acknowledged that it was right to give himself a break after a difficult 18 months in the job.

“As one of the leadership group it’s important to show that not only are we focused on getting the balance right for the players but equally the coaches and staff, head coach included,” Langer said.

“Macca is an exceptional coach in all forms of the game and has been fantastic since coming on board. He will do a great job with this squad. We are in very, very good hands.”

Peter Siddle has, as expected, been added to the Test squad to cover the injured Josh Hazlewood.

“Peter has been brought in as a 13th player for Melbourne,” Hohns said. “He is a proven Test match performer with an exceptional knowledge of the MCG which will be a valuable part of our preparation.”

Australian ODI squad to face India: Aaron Finch (c) (Victoria), Sean Abbott (New South Wales), Ashton Agar (Western Australia), Alex Carey (vc) (South Australia), Pat Cummins (vc) (New South Wales), Peter Handscomb (Victoria), Josh Hazlewood (New South Wales), Marnus Labuschagne (Queensland), Kane Richardson (South Australia), Steven Smith (New South Wales), Mitchell Starc (New South Wales), Ashton Turner (Western Australia), David Warner (New South Wales), Adam Zampa (South Australia).

India series
January 14: First ODI Australia v India, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
January 17: Second ODI Australia v India, Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
January 19: Third ODI Australia v India, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru