Mitchell Starc Returns as Australia Name Squads for India ODIs and T20Is

Australia have recalled ace pacer Mitchell Starc for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, starting October 19 in Perth. Starc, who missed the recent tour of South Africa to manage his workload, returns alongside Matthew Short and Mitchell Owen, both recovering from injuries. Matthew Renshaw has also earned an ODI recall after consistent domestic performances.

The 15-member ODI squad will be led by Mitchell Marsh, with Pat Cummins opting out of the series to focus on preparing for the upcoming Ashes, which begins on November 21.

Cricket Australia also announced a 14-member squad for the first two T20Is of the five-match series against India, scheduled from October 29 to November 8, as part of preparations for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Australia ODI Squad:

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

Australia T20I Squad (First Two Matches):

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

Key Inclusions and Exits

This marks Starc’s first international outing of the 2025-26 season, following his retirement from T20Is earlier in the year. His inclusion will boost Australia’s pace attack, which also features Hazlewood, Ellis, Bartlett, and Dwarshuis.

Several players from the South Africa series — including Marnus Labuschagne, Sean Abbott (ODIs), Aaron Hardie, and Matthew Kuhnemann — have missed out on the ODI squad. However, Abbott returns for the T20Is.

Alex Carey will miss the opening ODI in Perth due to Sheffield Shield duties with South Australia but will rejoin the squad for the remaining two matches. Meanwhile, Renshaw returns to the ODI setup for the first time since 2022, rewarded for strong performances with Australia A and Queensland.

Following the ODI series, Cameron Green will return to play Sheffield Shield cricket with Western Australia to prepare for the Ashes.

T20I Update: Inglis and Ellis Return, Maxwell Still Out

Josh Inglis and Nathan Ellis return to the T20I squad after missing recent tours — Inglis due to a calf injury and Ellis following the birth of his first child. However, Glenn Maxwell continues to remain sidelined with a wrist injury sustained during training ahead of the Chappell-Hadlee series.

Josh Philippe and Alex Carey, part of the previous T20I series against New Zealand, have been omitted. Inglis is expected to don the gloves behind the stumps.

Australia’s T20I squad features a powerful batting core with Marsh, Head, Tim David, Inglis, Short, and Owen. Marcus Stoinis retains his place in the all-rounder role, while the spin duties will be shared by Adam Zampa and Matthew Kuhnemann.

Selector’s Take

“We have named a squad for the ODI series and the first two T20Is as there will be some management through the back end of the series, with individuals preparing for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket,” said selection chair George Bailey.

“The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it's an important period in the build-up to the World Cup next year. However, we are trying to strike a balance to ensure we simultaneously prepare certain individuals for the Test series ahead.”

Australia’s tour of India promises to be a crucial lead-up to both the Ashes and the 2026 T20 World Cup, with selectors keeping a keen eye on player workloads and form.