Starc, Smith named in strong Australia side for Zimbabwe, NZ series

Aaron Finch of Australia celebrates a milestone in his record-breaking innings at Harare Sports Club PIC: Zimbabwe Cricket

Australia have named a very strong side for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand.

The squad includes bulwarks such as Steve Smith, Mitchel Starc and Josh Hazelwood.

“These series against New Zealand, the world’s No.1 ranked ODI side, and Zimbabwe will be good contests and provide an opportunity to play some great cricket in the lead-up to the home summer,” said national selector George Bailey in a statement.

“The team is excited to be marking the start of a huge summer with these matches in North Queensland.”

Australia will play a three-game Dettol ODI Series against Zimbabwe in Townsville starting on 28 August 28, and will then meet New Zealand in Cairns for three fixtures from 6 September.

They will be Australia’s first one-day matches on home soil since early December 2020, and form part of the ODI Super League that determines qualification for next year’s 50-over World Cup in India.

Zimbabwe will have to play a qualifier which they will host next year. For Australia, they are eighth with 70 points, which could jump to 100 if the request by South Africa to forego their points is allowed.

Australia ODI squad: Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa