Marnus Labuschagne called up to Australia ODI squad for India series

There is no space, however, for Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis or Nathan Lyon

Marnus Labuschagne has been named in Australia’s squad for their ODI series against India in January.

The batsman, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in international cricket since enjoying a fine Ashes series during the English summer, is part of a 14-man squad that will take on Virat Kohli’s side in three matches.

They will be working under the eye of Andrew McDonald, with head coach Justin Langer taking time off to rest and recharge his own batteries after a busy period.

Labuschagne is included at the expense of seven players who drop out of the squad on the back of Australia’s most recent ODIs – when Aaron Finch’s side reached the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis – Australia’s current ODI Player of the Year – and Nathan Lyon have all been left out, while Jason Behrendorff is unavailable due to a long-term back injury.

Peter Handscomb and Ashton Turner join Labuschagne in a new-look middle order, while Turner will also offer Finch a spin option, alongside the leg-spin of Adam Zampa. There is also a call-up for Sean Abbott, whose only previous ODI came five years ago in 2014.

Josh Hazlewood, who will miss Australia’s second Test against New Zealand with a hamstring strain, is named in the squad. He is expected to be fit and will feature for Sydney Sixers in the ninth edition of the Big Bash before the touring party leaves for the subcontinent.

^{Marcus Stoinis misses out, despite being Australia's current ODI Player of the Year}

“The performance of the top order at home through the T20 series was very strong so we look for that to continue in the Indian ODI series,” said national selector Trevor Hohns, who praised the axis of Finch, David Warner and Steve Smith.

“We also believe Marnus Labuschagne is ready for his international white-ball debut after his strong form for Queensland in this form of the game.”

As well as performing in the Test arena, Labuschagne has been in fine form in Australia’s domestic Marsh Cup competition; he has made a century and two fifties in the tournament – only five players have scored more runs.

“Ashton Turner has proven himself in India with his ability to adapt to local conditions as did Peter Handscomb who joined the squad at the most recent World Cup,” Hohns added.

“Peter also doubles as a backup 'keeper if required while Ashton Agar adds to the squad with his all-round abilities.

“In terms of the bowling group we are sticking with combination that are performing well. Sean Abbott and Kane Richardson are in the squad following the successful T20 campaign.

“Adam Zampa and his growing combination with Agar is also something the selectors want to see more of while Nathan Lyon remains in the one-day squad selection frame.”

Maxwell’s omission is perhaps a surprise, given his stock in white-ball cricket, though the allrounder is only set to make his return to professional cricket this week, having taken time away from the game for mental health reasons.

“It is great to see Glenn Maxwell returning to the game in the Big Bash League,” Hohns explained.

“We will closely monitor his form after what would have been disappointing 12 months in the one-day game by his standards.”

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (vc), Pat Cummins (vc), Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa

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