Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
After a period in which the Test and T20 formats have held sway Australia’s planning for the defence of their ODI World Cup trophy is to begin in earnest with six matches in 16 days in nations hosting the tournament next year.
Mitch Marsh’s team play the first of three clashes in Harare against Zimbabwe on Tuesday (1730 AEST), to be followed by a trio against South Africa in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.
Only the latter venue will not stage matches in the World Cup, which is also being co-hosted by Namibia, and one year and a fortnight from the event’s start Marsh says the experience gained from this tour will be invaluable.
“I feel lucky to be playing here and in South Africa 12 months out from the World Cup where we’ll face the same conditions,” said Marsh, who is standing in for the rested Pat Cummins as skipper.
“We are close to full strength, just missing Patty (Cummins) and Mitch Starc, and have a lot of experience and some youth, so it’s exciting.”
Since winning the World Cup in Ahmedabad in 2023, stunning hosts India, Australia’s ODI record has been modest.
In particular, since losing the Champions Trophy semi-final to India in March 2025 they have played 12 matches losing seven, including series defeats to South Africa (H), Pakistan (A) and Bangalore (A).
However, they have often featured makeshift sides with Test matches prioritised. Besides Cummins, Starc is also excused for this series, although both will join up for the South African leg.
Marnus Labuschagne, who averaged 12 runs from three knocks against Bangladesh, has been dropped with young guns Ollie Peake and allrounder Joel Davies given a chance to showcase their talent.
In Zimbabwe Spencer Johnson and Billy Stanlake will hope to seize the opportunity provided by the absence of Cummins and Starc.
For Marsh that prospect provides memories of his own breakthrough, on the same Harare Sports Club ground in 2014.
Having debuted three years earlier he had made 39 runs in four ODI innings before the tour. Innings of 89 against Zimbabwe, and an unbeaten 86 against South Africa at the same venue, launched a career which will reach 100 ODI matches on Tuesday.
“I’ve got fond memories, though feels like a long time ago now, so long ago I hardly remember it though obviously I had a couple of really good innings as a young kid,” he said.
“To go on and reach 100 ODIs … I’m very proud. It’s something I thought I’d never do.”
A senior player now at 34 he says he feels “a responsibility to create the best environment” for the young players, “to make sure these guys enjoy playing,” adding: “It goes so fast.”
Indeed, With Starc out and Glenn Maxwell retired Marsh is Australia’s only survivor from their last ODI in Zimbabwe, on that 2014 tour. Zimbabwe won that match by three wickets and have won the last ODI (in Townsville in 2022) and T20 (Colombo, 2026) between the sides.
Having recently beaten the Bangladesh team that defeated Australia they will not lack for confidence. With a 0930 local time start the toss could be crucial.
AUSTRALIA SQUAD: Mitch Marsh (capt in Zimbabwe), Pat Cummins (capt, SA only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (SA only), Adam Zampa.
FIXTURES
v Zimbabwe September 15, 18, 20 (all Harare, all 1730 AEST)
v South Africa September 24 (Durban, 1800 AEST), 27 (Johannesburg, 1800 AEST) 30 (Potchefstroom, 2130 AEST)
