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Australia come out of their international cricketing hibernation when they face up to hosts Zimbabwe in the first of their one day international matches of the tri-series. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage 5:30 pm (AEST).
With less than six months to go before a home World Cup for the well-rested Australia, this game marks the start of a building phase towards that premier competition.
The squad selection is a reflection of that; a combination of those certain to be a part of that tournament and then a few looking to push others.
There was some surprise over the non-selection of Phil Hughes after the form he showed in List A and first-class cricket in the lead-up to it but he has now got his chance with the injury of Shane Watson. Yes, Watson’s injured himself again, but this time it sounds more like a freak injury than one to do with his body failing to live up to the load.
There were still doubts over Hughes making the starting XI despite the absence of three of Australia’s main openers, Watson, David Warner (on a paternity leave) and Shaun Marsh (long-term injury), but news is captain Michael Clarke has done his hamstring two days before the game.
While Clarke might still be fit for the game, the question that the management could ask is whether it make sense for the skipper to risk it given the hectic season ahead. Clarke will want to play but a risk-reward analysis may not go in favour of that happening.
If Clarke does miss out, George Bailey will take over the leadership role – one he is quite used to – and Hughes and Aaron Finch will start the innings. It also means that Australia will be left with only six batsmen or batting all-rounders, including wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, to choose from and all will invariably feature.
Mitchell Johnson will lead the bowling attack, with Mitchell Starc expected to partner him, in the absence of Clint McKay and Nathan Coulter-Nile, both of whom featured in Australia’s last ODI but have been dropped for this series.
Nathan Lyon, who replaced Xavier Doherty, should get his third ODI cap, while James Faulkner will come in as the bowling all-rounder. The final spot in the side will go to one of Kane Richardson, Mitchell Marsh or Ben Cutting.
It is more than 31 years since Zimbabwe played their first ever ODI. They won that debut game against the Aussies in the 1983 World Cup, but in the 26 times they have played Australia since they have lost on each occasion. Current evidence suggests a record 27th loss for Zimbabwe is on the cards.
The hosts are coming off a three-match ODI series against South Africa, a series they lost three-zip. There were pockets of resistance from Zimbabwe but they never came close to surprising their African counterparts – the hope now being they will use that experience to push the Aussies.
Zimbabwean coach Stephen Mangongo dropped one of their best and most experienced batsman, Brendan Taylor, from the line-up for the third ODI against South Africa. With another experienced player, Prosper Utseya, reported for a suspect action, things could get even tougher for the hosts.
Join me for this first ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe; you can follow the live score of this game from 5:30pm (AEST) and post your comments below.
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