Sydney: Australia have announced their 17-member ODI squad for upcoming series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, with selectors making a significant call by leaving out experienced batter Marnus Labuschagne.The squad includes several key players returning to the 50-over side, including captain Mitch Marsh and opener Travis Head, while fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been selected for the South Africa leg of the tour.The six-match tour is being viewed as an important preparation phase for Australia's title defence at the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Labuschagne misses out

The biggest selection talking point is the omission of Marnus Labuschagne, who has been a regular member of Australia's ODI side in recent years.Labuschagne has averaged just 21.87 across his last 18 ODI innings, according to Cricket Australia, and has now been left out of the squad despite being part of Australia's 2023 World Cup-winning campaign.The decision comes less than a year before the next World Cup and could put further pressure on Labuschagne's position in Australia's 50-over plans.However, national selector George Bailey stressed that ODI selection is being considered separately from Test cricket. Labuschagne could still remain in contention for Australia's upcoming Test series in South Africa.

Youngsters retain their places

Australia have continued to invest in younger players, with Oliver Peake and Joel Davies retaining their places after featuring in the team's recent ODI campaigns.Cooper Connolly has also been included, giving Australia's selectors an opportunity to assess the next generation ahead of the 2027 World Cup.Bailey said the six-match African tour would provide valuable exposure because the same countries will host next year's World Cup.The selectors also want the younger players to continue developing within the senior setup before the tournament.

Cummins and Starc to join in South Africa

Australia's ODI captain Pat Cummins has been included but will only feature in the South Africa portion of the tour.Mitchell Starc is similarly listed for the South African matches. Both fast bowlers are expected to use the ODIs as preparation for Australia's three-Test series against South Africa in October.Cummins has played only two ODIs since leading Australia to the 2023 World Cup title, so the South Africa matches will represent an important return to the format.

Mitch Marsh to lead in Zimbabwe

No separate captain has been named in the announced squad.Marsh is expected to lead Australia during the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, with Cummins joining the squad for South Africa. Cummins has previously indicated that he may not play every ODI on the six-match tour because the subsequent Test series remains a priority.The Zimbabwe series will be played in Harare on September 15, 18 and 20.The South Africa ODIs will follow on September 24 in Durban, September 27 in Johannesburg and September 30 in Potchefstroom.

Australia ODI squad

Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins (South Africa only), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc (South Africa only) and Adam Zampa.

World Cup preparation begins

The African ODI tour will give Australia six matches in conditions similar to those expected at the 2027 World Cup.For the reigning champions, the immediate focus will be on balancing experience with emerging talent while giving senior players valuable match practice. The omission of Labuschagne also signals that competition for places is already intensifying ahead of the tournament

Bangladesh secured their maiden ODI series victory over Australia with a five-wicket DLS win in Mirpur, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh etched their name into the record books on Wednesday after securing their first-ever One Day International series victory over Australia, defeating the visitors by five wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected second ODI at Mirpur.

The victory handed Bangladesh an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and marked one of the country's most significant achievements in limited-overs cricket against the five-time world champions.

Australia Recover After Early Collapse

Australia's innings got off to a disastrous start after the visitors were reduced to 0/3 in the opening stages. Bangladesh's pace attack, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, exploited the conditions effectively to put the tourists under immediate pressure.

With the top order back in the pavilion, Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett steadied the innings with a crucial 103-run partnership. Labuschagne struck a composed 55, while Bartlett contributed an impressive 52 to rescue Australia from what appeared to be a far deeper crisis.

The duo helped Australia rebuild, but Bangladesh regained control once Taskin dismissed Labuschagne. Regular wickets thereafter prevented Australia from accelerating in the latter stages.

In the rain-curtailed contest, Australia eventually posted 187 for 8 in 42 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman picked up three wickets each, while spinner Tanvir Islam chipped in with one wicket and maintained pressure through the middle overs.

Revised Target Set

Persistent rain interruptions affected the match and led to a revised target for the hosts. Bangladesh were set 192 runs to win from 35 overs under the DLS calculation.

Despite the adjusted chase, the target remained challenging given the nature of the pitch and Australia's bowling resources.

Bangladesh Hold Their Nerve

The hosts suffered an early setback when opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim departed without scoring. However, Bangladesh's middle order ensured the chase remained on track.

Soumya Sarkar played a valuable knock of 42, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 41 runs. The pair laid a solid foundation and absorbed pressure during the crucial middle phase of the innings.

Towhid Hridoy then played a calm and unbeaten innings of 40, guiding Bangladesh closer to the target as Australia searched for breakthroughs.

Australia's bowlers managed to pick up wickets at intervals, with Xavier Bartlett, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa, Matthew Renshaw and Cameron Green claiming one wicket each. Yet none of the bowlers were able to stem the flow of runs for long enough to force a collapse.

Bangladesh eventually reached the revised target with five wickets in hand, sparking celebrations among players and supporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Mustafizur Leads The Way

Fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was named Player of the Match for his disciplined spell of 3 for 27. His ability to strike with the new ball and contain runs in difficult conditions played a key role in restricting Australia to a below-par total.

Taskin Ahmed's three-wicket haul also proved crucial as Bangladesh maintained pressure throughout Australia's innings.

Landmark Achievement

The result represents a major milestone for Bangladesh cricket. While the team has recorded memorable ODI victories over several top nations in recent years, a bilateral ODI series win against Australia had remained elusive.

By taking a 2-0 lead with one match remaining, Bangladesh have now guaranteed their first ODI series triumph over the Australians, regardless of the outcome of the final game.

The third and final ODI is scheduled to be played on June 14, where Bangladesh will look to complete a clean sweep, while Australia will aim to salvage a consolation victory and finish the tour on a positive note.