Australia Rest Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood for England

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins will miss the upcoming limited-overs series against England after being rested alongside fellow fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. The decision is part of Australia’s workload management plan as the team prepares for a demanding summer featuring 10 Test matches across just 14 weeks.

Australia are scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against England. However, Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood were left out of both squads announced on Monday, allowing the experienced pace trio to focus on their preparation for the upcoming Test commitments.

Several other key players will also have their workloads managed during the England T20 series. Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and all-rounder Cameron Green are among those expected to receive careful management following Australia’s lengthy tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Australia rest Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood ahead of busy Test summer

Australia’s decision to rest their leading fast bowlers reflects the importance of keeping the players physically and mentally prepared for the upcoming Test schedule. The team faces four Tests against New Zealand before travelling to India for a five-match series.

The 10-Test programme will place considerable demands on Australia’s multi-format players, particularly its fast bowlers. Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood have been central to Australia’s success across formats, making their availability for the longer format a major priority.

George Bailey, Australia’s chair of selectors, explained that the team is entering an especially demanding period and needs to manage its players carefully.

“We are in the middle of a highly demanding phase of our schedule,” Bailey said.

Bailey highlighted the short turnaround between the South Africa tour and the upcoming limited-overs fixtures against England. He said the selection committee wanted to ensure players had enough time to recover before the New Zealand Test series.

“Our multi-format players are transitioning directly from the tour of South Africa into an ODI and T20 series, leaving a narrow window to ensure the squad is physically prepared and fresh for the upcoming New Zealand Test series.”

He also pointed to the extended period the Test squad will spend travelling and competing once the players assemble in Perth.

“Then, from when the Test players assemble in Perth through to the conclusion of the 150th anniversary Test against England, the team will have been on the road for more than 100 days.”

Bailey added that individual preparation plans would be developed to address each player’s physical and mental requirements ahead of the Test campaign.

“To manage this workload, each player’s build-up to the New Zealand series will be carefully planned and focused on individual’s physical and mental preparation.”

Mahli Beardman earns Australia ODI debut opportunity

One of the notable selections in Australia’s limited-overs squads is rising Western Australia fast bowler Mahli Beardman. The young pacer has earned his first opportunity to make an ODI appearance for the national team after previously featuring in one T20 International.

Beardman’s recent performances for Australia A helped strengthen his case for selection. The selectors were impressed with his displays and believe he has the potential to develop into a regular option across multiple formats.

Bailey welcomed the fast bowler’s return to the national setup and expressed excitement about his future development.

“Mahli Beardman’s recent performances for Australia A were impressive and we are incredibly excited for his return to the national team across the ODI and T20 formats,” Bailey said.

He also suggested that Beardman could become an all-format player in the coming years, highlighting the confidence the selectors have in his abilities.

The England series will therefore provide an important opportunity for the young quick to gain further international experience while Australia’s senior fast bowlers prepare for the Test season.

Jack Edwards earns selection in both Australia squads

Jack Edwards has also been rewarded for his performances during Australia’s recent tour of South Africa and his consistent displays in domestic Cricket. The all-rounder has secured a place in both the ODI and T20 squads for the England series.

His selection across both formats gives him an opportunity to strengthen his position in the national setup. With several experienced players being rested or carefully managed, the upcoming fixtures could provide valuable international opportunities for players looking to establish themselves.

Left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson and all-rounder Liam Scott have also returned to Australia’s ODI squad. Their inclusion adds further options to the team as it continues preparing for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

However, fast bowler Nathan Ellis has not recovered in time to be considered for the ODI series. He is continuing his return from a side strain, with the selectors opting not to rush his comeback.

Tim David to lead Australia’s T20 batting options

Tim David will be a major part of Australia’s T20 plans against England. The Hobart Hurricanes star was recently named Australian T20 Player of the Year and is expected to play an important role in the team’s batting lineup.

Known for his powerful hitting and ability to score quickly, David provides Australia with an attacking option in the shorter format. His selection comes as the team continues to build towards its longer-term T20 objectives.

Another notable inclusion is Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has regained his place in Australia’s T20 squad for the first time since 2025. The hard-hitting opening batter will have an opportunity to re-establish himself at international level.

Young New South Wales batter Lachlan Shaw has also received his first call-up to the T20 squad. His performances during the recent Australia A tour of India and in the Big Bash League helped earn him a place in the national team.

Shaw’s inclusion represents another opportunity for Australia to assess emerging batting talent as the selectors continue to develop options for future T20 competitions.

Australia build towards 2027 Cricket World Cup and 2028 Olympics

Australia’s two squads have different long-term objectives as the country prepares for major international tournaments. The ODI team is continuing its development ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be held in Africa.

As defending champions, Australia will aim to build a squad capable of challenging for another title. The England ODI series will give the selectors an opportunity to assess emerging players and strengthen the team’s depth.

The T20 squad, meanwhile, has its sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the next T20 World Cup. With T20 cricket continuing to play an important role in the international calendar, Australia are using upcoming series to develop their options for the future.

Resting experienced players such as Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood also allows younger cricketers to gain valuable opportunities. The balance between managing senior players and developing new talent will remain important as Australia move towards their busy international schedule.

Australia ODI squad for England series

Mitchell Marsh will captain Australia’s 14-member ODI squad for the three-match series against England. The group includes experienced players, returning options and emerging talents, with Mahli Beardman among the players looking to make an impact.

• Mitchell Marsh (captain)
• Xavier Bartlett
• Mahli Beardman
• Alex Carey
• Cooper Connolly
• Jack Edwards
• Cameron Green
• Travis Head
• Josh Inglis
• Spencer Johnson
• Ollie Peake
• Matthew Renshaw
• Liam Scott
• Adam Zampa

Australia T20 squad for England series

Mitchell Marsh will also lead Australia’s 14-member squad for the five-match T20 International series. The selection includes Tim David, Jake Fraser-McGurk and first-time T20 squad member Lachlan Shaw.

• Mitchell Marsh (captain)
• Xavier Bartlett
• Mahli Beardman
• Nikhil Chaudhary
• Tim David
• Joel Davies
• Jack Edwards
• Nathan Ellis
• Jake Fraser-McGurk
• Sam Harper
• Spencer Johnson
• Mitchell Owen
• Lachlan Shaw
• Adam Zampa

Australia prioritise player fitness ahead of crucial Test assignments

Australia’s decision to leave Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood out of the England squads underlines the importance of managing workloads ahead of the upcoming Test season. With 10 matches scheduled across 14 weeks, the selectors are looking to ensure their leading players are prepared for a demanding period.

The England limited-overs series will also provide opportunities for younger players and returning squad members to demonstrate their abilities. Beardman, Edwards and Shaw are among those who could benefit from increased exposure at international level.

While Australia will be without several established stars for the upcoming fixtures, the selection strategy reflects a broader focus on balancing immediate results with long-term preparation. The team’s priority will be to enter the New Zealand Test series with a fit and refreshed squad before moving on to the challenging five-Test tour of India.