Australia's India Tour: No Maxwell, No Cummins, Marsh Steps Up as Skipper

Australia has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against India starting October 19. Regular skipper Pat Cummins will sit out as he continues to recover from a back injury, while Mitchell Marsh steps in to lead the side.

The squad features a mix of regulars and fresh faces, but two notable omissions stand out. Glenn Maxwell remains sidelined due to a wrist fracture, and Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped after a string of low scores.

Marsh Takes Charge in Cummins’ Absence

Mitchell Marsh’s elevation to captaincy signals Australia’s focus on stability while key players heal. His recent form across formats has earned him leadership trust, especially with senior bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc returning. Cameron Green also rejoins the ODI setup after recovering from a back surgery. The all-rounder recently bowled four overs in a Sheffield Shield match, marking his first competitive spell since his operation.

Maxwell’s Absence and Labuschagne’s Drop Raise Eyebrows

Maxwell’s exclusion from both the ODI and T20 squads is significant, given his match-winning history against India. The team management has opted to give him time to regain full fitness ahead of the Big Bash League. Meanwhile, Labuschagne’s omission underlines Australia’s hunt for middle-order consistency, with players like Matthew Renshaw and Matthew Short stepping up.

The ODI squad also includes Mitchell Owen and Cooper Connolly, two players seen as potential long-term options. Starc’s inclusion bolsters the bowling attack, supported by Adam Zampa’s spin and Hazlewood’s pace.

T20 Squad Sees Minor Tweaks

For the first two T20Is, Australia has retained Marsh as captain. Nathan Ellis and Josh Inglis make their way in, while Alex Carey and Josh Philippe miss out. Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis continue as core members, ensuring a balance of experience and power-hitting depth.

As India welcomes the visitors, the spotlight will also be on the home team’s returning veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who bring back firepower and familiarity on Indian soil.