AUS VS WI : Australia announces the West Indies ODI squad without Glenn Maxwell and Jhye Richardson

Maxwell's Strategic Break: Managing Workload Ahead of T20I Series vs West Indies & New Zealand

AUS VS WI : Australia revealed their 13-man ODI team for their match against the West Indies on Monday. Jhye Richardson is out with an injury, and Glenn Maxwell is rested. On the other hand, uncapped speedster Xavier Bartlett and rookie hitter Jake Fraser-McGurk have been called up to the Australian ODI team. Fraser-McGurk is considered by many to be among Australia’s best batters. Earlier this season in Australia, during the Marsh Cup, the 21-year-old set a world record with a 29-ball century and was substituted for Maxwell.

Fraser-McGurk, who is currently playing for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL), smashed his first-class century and scored 257 runs at a strike rate of 158.64.

In order to control his workload before the T20I series against the West Indies and New Zealand, Maxwell was rested, according to Cricket Australia.

With David Warner’s retirement, Matt Short will probably receive an opportunity to open for the Australians. Lance Morris, meanwhile, is about to represent Australia internationally for the first time.

For the three ODIs, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins—the all-around Australian speedster—have been rested. Star batsman Steven Smith will captain the team against the Caribbeans in Cummins’ absence. For the 50-over series, Mitchell Marsh, an all-around player, has also been rested.

Australia and the West Indies will play three Twenty20 International Tests (ODIs) in Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra from February 2 to February 6.

Hailed as one of the nation’s most promising batting prospects, Fraser-McGurk has been drawing attention with his impressive achievements on the domestic scene. The 19-year-old displayed his blazing batting ability in the Marsh Cup by blasting a 29-ball century, setting a world record.

Fraser-McGurk, who relocated from Victoria to South Australia, also made history by scoring his first-ever century in a first-class match against his old team and played a standout game for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL). He just made his ILT20 debut for Dubai Capitals and showed off his skills with a blistering 54 off 25 balls.

In terms of bowling, Bartlett has earned a berth in the ODI team. He was the top wicket-taker for Brisbane Heat in the BBL this season. With his pinpoint outswing, Bartlett has been an invaluable weapon for the Heat, taking big wickets during powerplays and contributing significantly towards the end of the game.

Steve Smith, a veteran player, will be leading the ODI team now that Maxwell is resting and Richardson is sidelined. The three-match ODI series, which begins on February 2, looks to provide Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett with an opportunity to establish themselves internationally.

Australia’s ODI squad against West Indies: Steven Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Lance Morris, Matt Short, Adam Zampa