Australia have run in the changes for the upcoming ODI series against India with the hosts handing Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon a recall in the 50-over format.
Only six players who were part of the ODI squad which lost to South Africa have been retained while Chris Lynn, Travis Head and D’Arcy Short have been given the chop.
Australia’s pace battery of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been handed a rest after their exertions in the Test series while Jason Behrendorff and Jhye Richardson have been called up.
Siddle has not played an ODI for Australia since 2010 but his performances in domestic cricket have seen the veteran get an unexpected recall. Also recalled to the ODI are Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh and Peter Handscomb.
Our Australian Men's squad has been announced for the three-match Gillette ODI Series against India https://t.co/8qx6rJ0slk pic.twitter.com/INDrFRqkIm
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 4, 2019
“After a disappointing period in ODI cricket, the National Selection Panel along with team coaches have reviewed our performances across this format and we’ve identified a number of key areas that we feel we need to improve in order to help put this team in the best possible position to turn this period around,” Australia selector Trevor Johns stated.
“With a focus on improving our ability to post competitive totals we’ve recalled Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Mitch Marsh to the squad.
“Usman is a batsman we know can put vital runs on the board at the top of the order, and Peter is not only a fine player of spin bowling, he’s also a batsman we know can hold an innings together while keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Mitch gives us another all-round option with his ability with both bat and ball,” he continued.
Australia and India are slated to play three ODIs in the upcoming series with the first match set to be held at Sydney on January 12.
AUSTRALIA 14-MAN SQUAD
Aaron Finch (capt), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
