Cricket

Beardman set for ODI debut, Harper, Fraser-McGurk, Shaw in T20 squad

Australia's national selection panel has unveiled new-look One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) squads for the upcoming home series against England starting later this month. With key frontline pacers rested, a slate of emerging talents led by Western Australian fast bowler Mahli Beardman headline the ODI setup. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batters Sam Harper and Lachlan Shaw have earned maiden T20I call-ups in a squad featuring returns for Jake Fraser-McGurk and Mitchell Owen.Senior Trio Rested Ahead of Test SummerThe headline exclusion from the three-match ODI series—scheduled for Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart on November 13, 15, and 18—is Australia’s regular frontline pace attack. ODI skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc have all been rested following a grueling three-Test tour in South Africa. With the Test team transitioning toward the four-Test series against New Zealand commencing in Perth on December 9, management opted to give the core fast bowlers a dedicated de-load period. Starc has already retired from T20Is, while Cummins and Hazlewood will sit out both white-ball legs."We are in the middle of a highly demanding phase of our schedule," said Chairman of Selectors George Bailey. "Our multi-format players are transitioning directly from the tour of South Africa into an ODI and T20 series, leaving a narrow window to ensure the squad is physically prepared and fresh for the upcoming New Zealand Test series."Fast-Bowling Reserves Under the SpotlightThe absence of the "Big Three," combined with a side strain that keeps Nathan Ellis sidelined until the T20I leg, leaves Australia’s ODI seam attack heavily reliant on young talent.Mahli Beardman appears primed for his ODI debut after destroying Australia A's opposition with raw pace on their recent tour of India.Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson will lead the seam attack alongside Beardman, with Jack Edwards and recalled all-rounder Liam Scott providing support.Adam Zampa stands as the sole frontline spinner.Billy Stanlake remains unavailable due to an ongoing side strain suffered in Zimbabwe.Fresh Faces & Recalls for T20I SquadThe five-match T20I series—taking place across Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra from November 21 to December 2—will feature a second-string outfit. Key Test batters Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, and Cameron Green are all being rested ahead of the New Zealand Test series. Maiden Call-UpsSam Harper: The reigning BBL Player of the Season for the Melbourne Stars earns a spot following strong domestic and overseas franchise form.Lachlan Shaw: The 23-year-old New South Wales captain earns a surprising elevation after featuring in Australia A's 50-over team in India.Key Recalls & RetainersJake Fraser-McGurk: Earns a recall after dazzling domestic form for South Australia in 50-over cricket (scores of 43* off 33, 88 off 47, and 122 off 63).Mitchell Owen: Returns to the squad for the first time since missing out on the T20 World Cup and Bangladesh tour.Tim David: Missed out on ODI selection despite playing List A cricket for Tasmania, but retains his place in the T20I squad.Joel Davies and Nikhil Chaudhary: Retained following strong debut performances in Bangladesh earlier this year. Harper and Shaw's selection has seen them leapfrog Josh Philippe, who was left out of both squads after previously serving as Inglis' understudy. Aaron Hardie (shoulder), Riley Meredith, and Matthew Kuhnemann also missed out on selection.Official Squad ListsAustralia ODI SquadMitchell Marsh (Captain)Xavier BartlettMahli BeardmanAlex CareyCooper ConnollyJack EdwardsCameron GreenTravis HeadJosh InglisSpencer JohnsonOllie PeakeMatthew RenshawLiam ScottAdam ZampaAustralia T20I SquadMitchell Marsh (Captain)Xavier BartlettMahli BeardmanNikhil ChaudharyTim DavidJoel DaviesJack EdwardsNathan EllisJake Fraser-McGurkSam HarperSpencer JohnsonMitchell OwenLachlan ShawAdam Zampa