Marnus Labuschagne Dropped from ODI Squad as Renshaw Earns Debut Call-Up; Starc Returns, Maxwell Still Out

Marnus Labuschagne Dropped from ODI Squad as Renshaw Earns Debut Call-Up; Starc Returns, Maxwell Still Out

Australia have made a significant change to their white-ball setup ahead of the upcoming ODI series against India, dropping Marnus Labuschagne and handing a potential debut to in-form batter Matt Renshaw. Labuschagne's exclusion comes after a prolonged lean patch in the 50-over format, while Mitchell Starc returns to bolster a full-strength squad.

Labuschagne Axed After Prolonged Slump

Labuschagne's omission is not unexpected, given his recent poor run — his highest score in his last 10 ODI innings is just 47. He was a late addition to the South Africa series earlier this year, only featuring due to an injury to Matt Short. His absence now opens up the opportunity for a more consistent domestic performer.

However, the move may benefit Labuschagne’s long-format ambitions. He will return to Sheffield Shield duties, where he has already made headlines this season with a commanding 160 against Tasmania, pushing his case for a Test recall.

Renshaw’s Reward for Domestic Dominance

Matt Renshaw, Labuschagne's Queensland teammate, has been rewarded for his outstanding form in domestic and Australia A fixtures. Since November 2021, Renshaw has averaged 48.68 in List A cricket, including six centuries — the most recent being a century against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.

While he currently opens in red-ball cricket, Renshaw has cemented himself as a reliable No. 3 or No. 4 in 50-over cricket. He was previously selected for the 2022 ODI tour of Pakistan but did not play a match. This time, he is expected to feature.

Starc Returns, Maxwell Remains Sidelined

Mitchell Starc is set to play his first ODI since November 2024 after recovering from injury. The left-arm quick will add experience to a pace attack that includes Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Bartlett, and Ben Dwarshuis.

Glenn Maxwell, however, remains unavailable for T20I duties due to a wrist injury sustained ahead of the New Zealand series. His absence continues to impact Australia’s middle-order options in the shortest format.

T20I Squad Tweaked for Early Matches

The T20I squad named covers only the first two games of the five-match series, with selectors planning to rotate players involved in multi-format duties. Australia are balancing short-term white-ball preparation with red-ball readiness ahead of the upcoming Ashes.

Josh Inglis returns to both squads after recovering from a calf strain, while fellow keeper Alex Carey will miss the ODI opener to play Sheffield Shield for South Australia.

Emerging Talent Given Opportunities

Young all-rounders Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen have been retained in the ODI squad. Connolly was a standout in Australia A’s recent tour of India, scoring two half-centuries and taking 5 for 22 against South Africa in Mackay. Owen, who missed the South Africa series due to concussion, is also in line for a debut.

In the T20 setup, Nathan Ellis rejoins the squad after missing the New Zealand tour to be with family for the birth of his child. Sean Abbott, omitted from the ODI squad, retains his T20 spot.

Fixtures

The ODI series against India will be played on:

  • October 19 – Perth

  • October 23 – Adelaide

  • October 25 – Sydney

The T20I series begins with:

  • October 29 – Canberra

  • October 31 – Melbourne

The remaining three T20Is will take place in early November.

Australia ODI Squad vs India

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Owen, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Australia T20I Squad vs India (First Two Matches)

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

George Bailey, Australia’s chairman of selectors, said the squad selections aim to strike a balance between World Cup T20 preparation and red-ball readiness:

“It’s an important period in the build-up to the World Cup next year, but we’re also ensuring players are ready for the Test summer ahead.”

With young talent emerging and seasoned stars returning, Australia looks to fine-tune its squads in what promises to be a high-stakes series against India.