Australia are all set to face Pakistan in a three-match ODI series at home, starting November 4, 2024, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This highly anticipated series promises to be a thrilling affair, as both teams bring in a mix of seasoned players and rising stars. The home advantage gives Australia an edge, but Pakistan, known for its unpredictability and competitive spirit, are expected to put up a strong fight.

Star-studded Australian lineup

Australia have a formidable squad, featuring experienced players like Pat Cummins (who will lead the team), Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne. The side also includes some versatile all-rounders, such as Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, whose power-hitting abilities and handy bowling options provide depth to the lineup. Newer faces like Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie bring an element of surprise and dynamism to the team, making the Australian side balanced and adaptable to different match situations.

Key challenges and strategies for both sides

Australia will be looking to fine-tune their strategies ahead of upcoming tournaments like Champions Trophy 2025, while Pakistan aim to make a mark on foreign soil with its blend of young talent and seasoned campaigners. The series will test Australia’s bowling strength, especially with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood leading the pace attack, supported by the reliable leg-spin of Adam Zampa. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s in-form batting and spin attack could pose a challenge, ensuring that the series will be fiercely competitive and entertaining for fans worldwide.

Also READ: AUS vs PAK 2024: Pakistan’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Australia

Australia’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against Australia

1. Matthew Short

A dynamic opening batter, Matthew Short brings aggression to Australia’s top order. Known for his explosive starts and occasional off-spin, Short has become a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket.

• Role: Opening batter, Part-time Off-Spinner
• Strength: Aggressive stroke play at the top; handy off-spin option
• Expectation: Provide fast starts and contribute with his part-time spin in the middle overs.

2. Josh Inglis (wk)

As a wicketkeeper-batter, Josh Inglis is capable of changing the game with his power hitting and quick scoring ability. His confidence behind the stumps adds security to the team’s fielding lineup.

• Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
• Strength: Power-hitting and quick scoring
• Expectation: Anchor the innings if required and build partnerships; ensure sharp work behind the stumps.

3. Marnus Labuschagne

Labuschagne’s reliable technique and mental strength make him a key player at the top order. Known for his adaptability, he can switch between anchoring and attacking roles as the situation demands.

• Role: Top-order batter
• Strength: Reliable technique, capable of anchoring the innings
• Expectation: Stabilize the innings, build partnerships, and rotate the strike effectively.

4. Steve Smith

Steve Smith’s vast experience and game awareness make him the backbone of Australia’s middle order. He can assess conditions quickly and adapt his game, bringing stability and maturity to the batting lineup.

• Role: Senior batter
• Strength: Experience, game awareness, and ability to play both anchor and aggressive roles
• Expectation: Guide the middle order, adapt to match situations, and ensure stability.

5. Glenn Maxwell

One of Australia’s most explosive batters, Glenn Maxwell’s all-round skills provide great depth. Alongside his powerful hitting, his off-spin and electric fielding make him a three-dimensional player.

• Role: All-rounder (Middle-order batter, Off-Spinner)
• Strength: Explosive batting, useful off-spin, and fielding skills
• Expectation: Accelerate the scoring in the middle and death overs, take key wickets, and add energy in the field.

6. Marcus Stoinis

A powerful all-rounder, Stoinis brings strength and versatility to the lower middle order. Known for his death-bowling and finishing abilities, he is key to Australia’s balance.

• Role: All-rounder (Middle-order batter, Medium Pace Bowler)
• Strength: Power-hitting and death-bowling option
• Expectation: Finish innings strongly with the bat, provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball, and strengthen fielding efforts.

7. Aaron Hardie

Aaron Hardie’s dual skills as a fast-medium bowler and hard-hitting batter make him an ideal lower-order all-rounder. His adaptability helps fill various roles as per match needs.

• Role: Lower-order batter, Fast-medium Bowler
• Strength: Versatile bowler, hard-hitting lower-order batter
• Expectation: Score quick runs if needed, support the pace attack, and create pressure in middle overs.

8. Pat Cummins (c)

As captain and lead bowler, Pat Cummins embodies discipline and leadership. His ability to maintain pressure with the ball, particularly in crunch moments, makes him indispensable.

• Role: Captain, Fast Bowler
• Strength: Leader of the bowling attack, especially effective in death overs
• Expectation: Execute strategic captaincy, bowl effectively in powerplay and death overs, and inspire the team with his leadership.

9. Mitchell Starc

Known for his lethal yorkers and pace, Starc is Australia’s primary wicket-taking threat. His expertise with both new and old balls adds a valuable dimension to the bowling attack.

• Role: Left-arm Fast Bowler
• Strength: Lethal swing bowler, especially dangerous with new and old ball
• Expectation: Take early wickets in the powerplay, deliver yorkers at the death, and keep the pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup.

10. Adam Zampa

As the team’s lead spinner, Zampa’s leg-spin brings variety to Australia’s bowling attack. His knack for picking up wickets in the middle overs is critical to slowing the opposition’s momentum.

• Role: Lead Spinner
• Strength: Control and wicket-taking ability with leg-spin
• Expectation: Dominate the middle overs, target key batters, and maintain control through economy and breakthroughs.

11. Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood’s accuracy and ability to apply pressure make him a vital part of the bowling lineup. His disciplined line and length, especially in the powerplay, often lead to breakthroughs.

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strength: Accuracy and ability to build pressure with a consistent line and length
• Expectation: Keep runs tight with disciplined bowling, especially in powerplays, and provide breakthroughs when required.

Also READ: Matthew Wade retires from international cricket, becomes Australia coach for Pakistan series

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