It may sound surprising but Australia played only three one days in the 2021 calendar year. Teams like Oman and Zimbabwe have surpassed them when it comes to post pandemic one-day matches.
Their next series against Pakistan will give the selectors a keen chance to form an evergreen Australian team. Considering the 2023 World Cup in perspective, this series will have a decisive element for players.
Australia is a great one day side with the likes of Smith, Maxwell, Stoinis and Finch playing in the team. Australia has just won the first T20 global championship and they have eyes on another 20-over event on the horizon.
They have been virtually absent from the 50-over arena. Since COVID-19 shut down, they have abstained from international cricket. In that period, the Australians have had more games called off than they had a chance to play. This constant disruption also puts the team in an mn uncomfortable zone.
Recently, the three-match One Day series against New Zealand was called off. This summer was the first in 44 years with no ODI cricket played.
The next One-Day International World Cup isn’t for another 18 months. Australia’s selection head George Bailey warned on Tuesday that possibilities to establish Australia’s first-choice one-day team are running out.
The congested international calendar complicates problems for Bailey and his selection panel. Australia has been constantly missing their top performing players in bilateral One Day matches.
Also, injuries have struck at inappropriate periods, with talents like Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, and Aaron Finch; all missing games over the previous two years.
The absence of those major names will allow others to stake their case, with Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott finding their place in the pace department.
Also, the 2019 World Cup paceman Jason Behrendorff is set to earn a rare shot in one-day cricket. Cameron Green, a significant test all-rounder, has been named to the squad.
Marnus Labuschagne is another asset that Australia has and will continue with him in all forthcoming series. His ability to tackle spin bowling will add a positive dimension when playing in the subcontinent.