Australia veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc has made a strong comeback to the national team for the three-match ODI series against India, beginning October 19 in Perth. The left-arm pacer, who sat out of the South Africa series to manage his workload, will lead the bowling attack as he gears up for the Ashes series starting November 21.
The Australian selectors, led by George Bailey, have also named the T20I squad for the first two matches of the five-match series that begins on October 29. While Mitchell Marsh continues to captain both squads, regular skipper Pat Cummins and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell have been rested due to fitness concerns.
Starc return bolsters a 15-member ODI squad that features a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent. The pace attack will include Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, and Xavier Bartlett, while Adam Zampa serves as the main spinner. Matthew Short and Mitchell Owen also return following injury layoffs.
Meanwhile, Matthew Renshaw makes a comeback to the ODI setup after two years, rewarded for his strong performances in domestic cricket and for Australia A.
Australia ODI Squad for India Series
| Player Name | Role | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (C) | All-Rounder / Captain | Leads the side in Cummins’ absence |
| Xavier Bartlett | Bowler | Promising young seamer |
| Alex Carey | Wicketkeeper-Batter | To miss 1st ODI, returns for last two matches |
| Cooper Connolly | All-Rounder | Adds depth to lower order |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Bowler | Left-arm pacer with lower-order hitting ability |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | Reliable death-overs specialist |
| Cameron Green | All-Rounder | To rejoin WA post-series for Ashes prep |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Senior fast bowler |
| Travis Head | Batter | Key top-order anchor |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Likely to keep in Carey absence |
| Mitchell Owen | All-Rounder | Returns after concussion recovery |
| Matthew Renshaw | Batter | First ODI call-up since 2022 |
| Matthew Short | Batter / All-Rounder | Returns after side strain |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler | Returns to lead pace attack |
| Adam Zampa | Spinner | Lone specialist spinner in the squad |
Cricket Australia also confirmed the T20I squad for the first two games of the five-match series against India, which will help the team prepare for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Australia T20I Squad (First Two Matches)
| Player Name | Role | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (C) | All-Rounder / Captain | Continues leadership across formats |
| Sean Abbott | All-Rounder | Provides balance with bat and ball |
| Xavier Bartlett | Bowler | Retained for both formats |
| Tim David | Batter | Big-hitting finisher |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Bowler | Left-arm pacer for variety |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | Back after paternity leave |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Experienced campaigner |
| Travis Head | Batter | Aggressive top-order batsman |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Returns after calf injury |
| Matthew Kuhnemann | Spinner | Second spinner alongside Zampa |
| Mitchell Owen | All-Rounder | Adds batting depth and bowling options |
| Matthew Short | Batter / All-Rounder | Provides flexibility in top order |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-Rounder | Retains place with Maxwell injured |
| Adam Zampa | Spinner | Main spin option |
Key Takeaways:
- Mitchell Starc returns to the ODI setup after resting during the South Africa tour.
- Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell miss out due to workload management and injury respectively.
- Mitchell Marsh continues to captain both squads.
- Renshaw returns to ODIs after strong domestic performances.
- T20I squad to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026, with Marsh, Head, and Tim David forming the core batting group.
The India tour marks the beginning of a packed season for Australia, with players balancing formats and managing workloads ahead of the Ashes and the T20 World Cup. For Starc, this series provides the perfect opportunity to rediscover rhythm and spearhead Australia pace attack once again.
