Australia announce a solid 16-man squad for ODI series against India, Maxwell, Richardson return

After the completion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia will lock horns against India in the three-match ODI series, which will take place between March 17 to March 22. Star Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh have recovered from their injuries and are included in the 16-member ODI squad. The right-arm seamer, Jhye Richardson also makes his comeback in the squad.

Maxwell injured his leg while celebrating a friend’s 50th birthday party and got operated on in November. He has demonstrated his availability by playing for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield this week. Marsh is expected to play for Western Australia in the One-Day Cup this weekend after having surgery for a persistent left ankle injury. Richardson has also rejoined after making a full recovery from a hamstring injury.

“Glenn, Mitchell and Jhye are all important players in what we think the squad might look like come October,” selection chief George Bailey asserted.

These matches in India are an important step in our preparation: George Bailey

The ODI team has been announced and includes Ashton Agar (poor form), David Warner (hairline fracture in left elbow), and skipper Pat Cummins (family illness), who all went back home following the second Test in Delhi. Before the third Test, Cummins will make a comeback, while Warner, the opener, and left-arm spinner Agar will join the squad before the ODI series.

Star Australia pacer Josh Hazelwood was ruled out of the India series before the start of the tour due to an Achilles’ injury. “It would be great for Josh to be part of this series but we have taken a conservative view ahead of a very important winter in England of which he will be an integral part,” the former Australian skipper stated. “With the World Cup just over seven months away, these matches in India are an important step in our preparation,” asserted the 40-year-old.

Australia ODI squad for India tour: Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa