Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood in frame. Image Credits- AFP
The preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup have already begun, with Australia all set to kickstart it with the forthcoming three-match ODI series on the Pakistan tour.
Cricket Australia (CA) has made a bold call for the Pakistan ODI tour, resting regular captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Meanwhile, Travis Head and Cooper Connolly are also not part of the Australia squad for the three ODIs. However, experienced Cameron Green is picked as a finisher.
Although the fast bowlers are on the wrong side of the thirties, they have been spitting fire in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) and are in the mix of things for the 2027 World Cup edition.
CA decided to preserve Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc
The Australian board have been cotton wounding the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in recent times. The trio missed the initial phases of the IPL 2026 as well, with Cummins and Starc missing almost half of the season.
The decision came after Starc was left alone during the Ashes 2025/26 when both Cummins and Hazlewood were missing. Since then, the Australian team management has decided to cotton wound their match-winners.
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Australian quicks wanted to play; CA forced rest
Ahead of the big tour of Pakistan, the Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has revealed the trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc wanted to be a part of the ODI squad, but CA decided against it. It has been done so to manage their workload with a massive Test series to follow.
"I think there's almost a misconception that the players are sort of picking and choosing as to where they play and which series they play in. These decisions are made around the management of what is coming up with in the schedule - and they don't choose that," Andrew McDonald said as quoated by cricket.com.au.
"We work with them on it … those players want to play. We just don’t feel like it's the best time for them to play."
It is also been said that all three pace guns are in Australia's plans for the 2027 World Cup, if they stay fit.
Who will fill in for Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc vs Pakistan?
Not just the ODIs against Pakistan, the pacemen have been rested for the bilateral tour of Bangladesh as well.
The Australian T20I captain Mitchell Marsh will lead in the ODI format in Cummins absence. While Liam Scott, Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake have been trusted in the 50-over format.
PBKS star Xavier Bartlett has also been picked to represent, but he will miss the Pakistan tour and join the squad straight in Bangladesh. Ben Dwarshuis will also straight land in Bangladesh, but just for the ODIs.
Australia's squads for Pakistan, Bangladesh
Australia ODI squad Vs Pakistan: Mitchell Marsh (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa
Australia ODI squad for Bangladesh: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Adam Zampa
Australia T20I squad for Bangladesh: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa
Arjun's Take (Conclusion)
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have been the backbone of the Australian bowling for more than a decade, in all three formats.
The trio are already in twilight of their career, CA will look to gloom young legs, which they have somewhat started from the Pakistan and Bangladesh series.
However, with the 2027 World Cup just a year away, CA will prefer Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc featuring in the marquee event.
Their experience and ability to rattle the opposition on seam-friendly decks make them certain starters for the mega event. Therefore, Cricket Australia should ideally manage their workload in the upcoming Test series to keep them fit and available for the World Cup.
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