Australia squad - (Source: AFP)On Tuesday, September 15, Australia and Zimbabwe locked horns for the 1st ODI of the three-match series. Mitchell Marsh walked down the centre for the toss in his 100th ODI for the Kangaroos. The Men in Yellow won the toss and opted to bat first. Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green were the two major absentees from the playing XI that got the internet talking. Therefore, this article will shed light on why the two prominent stars were left out on the bench.Why Are Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green not playing vs Zimbabwe?A report from Daniel Cherny of Code Sports revealed that Josh Hazlewood is being managed of his workload as Cricket Australia want him fit and fine for upcoming South Africa ODIs.However, Cameron Green has shoulder soreness, which has ruled him out of the 1st ODI. The injury doesn't seem serious and the player should be back for the next two ODIs. Daniel Cherny @DanielCherny Australia has won the toss and chosen to bat in Harare. From CA: Josh Hazlewood is being managed while Cameron Green has shoulder soreness and will continue to be monitored. Australia's playing XI vs Zimbabwe for 1st ODIAustralia Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer JohnsonWill Australia Miss Josh Hazlewood And Cameron Green?Josh Hazlewood was the most experience bowler in Australia's squad named for Zimbabwe ODIs. The right-arm seamer doesn't have Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc by his side, which makes his presence more important for the Men in Yellow.Nathan Ellis will lead the attack alongside Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson. Nonetheless, Australis will miss Hazlewood because the right-arm seamer has a fear-factor which others lack.Also Read: Imran Khan Case- Australian Government Sent SoS By Australian Captains Against Mohsin Naqvi's GovernmentHazlewood is yet to play an ODI in 2026 but he was remarkable in previous series against India. The right-arm seamer took just 3 wickets but bowled one of the best wicketless spells in ODI cricket as he gave away just 29 runs in his 10 overs in 2nd ODI.Cameron Green, on the other hand, is in the form of his life, which is why its a shame to see him miss out. The star all-rounder scored a century in the 2nd innings of the 1st Test vs Bangladesh, followed by a fifty in the 2nd Test.Oliver Peake, Spencer Johnson Presented Great OpportunityAlso Read: Steve Smith's Record In The Ashes As Ashes 2027 Falls In Jeopardy
