Pat Cummins returns as Australia announce playing XI for first ODI against Pakistan

Australian skipper Pat Cummins is all set to make his return to the 50-over format, leading the national team in the opening ODI against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 4. This will be Cummins' first ODI appearance since Australia's victorious World Cup campaign in 2023.

The three-match ODI series is Australia's final preparatory games before the 2025 Champions Trophy. With several key players unavailable, including Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head on paternity leave and Cameron Green sidelined with injury, the Australian team has put their best XI forward.

Meanwhile, Cummins also confirmed the inclusion of star opener Jake Fraser-McGurk who will partner with Matthew Short at the top of the order. Fraser-McGurk, who made his international debut against the West Indies earlier this year, scored 41 runs off just 23 balls across two innings. 

Aaron Hardie has earned his place in the squad and might be promoted up the order after his solid form during the England tour. The hosts will be without Josh Hazlewood in the opening match, with Lance Morris joining as fast-bowling cover.

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Mohammad Rizwan to lead Pakistan

On the other hand for Pakistan, this series is also their return to ODI cricket after nearly a year's gap since their last World Cup appearance. Under new captain Mohammad Rizwan and interim coach Jason Gillespie, the visiting team is preparing hard heading into the Champions Trophy. The Men in Green's squad features Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.

Australia's Playing XI for first ODI vs Pakistan

Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa