Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Australia ODI squad changes have reshaped the touring group ahead of the three match series against Bangladesh starting on Tuesday in Dhaka, with Todd Murphy, Ollie Peake and Matt Short added after injuries and absences ruled out several established names. Mitchell Marsh remains unavailable because of an ankle issue, Travis Head has taken personal leave, and spinner Tanveer Sangha has also been sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury. The changes matter because Australia now enters another challenging subcontinent assignment with a younger and less experienced group.
The first ODI will be played at Sher e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka as Australia attempts to respond following a series defeat in Pakistan.
Marsh had already missed Australia’s recent ODI campaign in Pakistan while continuing his recovery from an ankle injury suffered during the IPL. National selector Tony Dodemaide said Australia had hoped the all rounder would return for the Bangladesh series but confirmed he is not yet ready.
“Mitch will join the group in Dhaka and begin preparations for the T20I Series,” Dodemaide said.
Head will also miss both the ODI and T20 legs of the tour after being granted personal leave.
“We look forward to seeing him again for the top end Test Series against Bangladesh,” Dodemaide added.
Murphy returns for spin role
Murphy comes into the squad following Sangha’s injury setback after the young leg spinner suffered a hamstring issue during the second ODI in Pakistan.
Sangha played two matches during that series and produced economical figures of 1 for 22 and 1 for 31. His absence opens the door for Murphy, who has previously shown his value in Asian conditions.
The Victorian off spinner made his Test debut in India in 2023 and his inclusion could provide valuable preparation ahead of Australia’s future plans on the subcontinent.
Murphy joins an Australian squad already featuring experienced spinner Adam Zampa and left arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann as selectors continue building depth for conditions that often demand multiple spin options.
Matt Short rewarded after Pakistan response
Short returns after making a strong case for selection during the Pakistan series.
The opening batter had faced disappointment earlier this year when he missed Australia’s final T20 World Cup squad amid questions about his ability against spin bowling.
He responded impressively in Rawalpindi by scoring a half century on a difficult turning pitch and followed that with useful contributions across the series.
Short also provided another dimension with the ball, taking four wickets with his off spin. His best performance came in Lahore where he claimed 3 for 36 during Australia’s only win of the series.
His all round skill set gives Australia flexibility in a squad missing several senior players.
Ollie Peake continues rapid rise
Peake has also retained his place after an eye catching introduction to international cricket.
The 19 year old became the youngest Australian specialist batter to make an ODI debut, surpassing Ricky Ponting’s previous mark.
His first series proved difficult with Peake batting lower in the order on spin friendly surfaces, often entering matches under pressure.
Despite those challenges, he played an important role during Australia’s sole victory in Pakistan.
Peake scored 31 from 32 balls late in the innings to push Australia toward what eventually became a winning total.
The innings reinforced why selectors remain eager to expose him to difficult overseas conditions early in his international career.
Inglis leads inexperienced group
Josh Inglis will continue captaining the ODI side with both Marsh and Pat Cummins unavailable.
Australia’s squad now contains several players still learning to adapt to unfamiliar conditions in Asia and Inglis acknowledged the steep learning curve facing younger teammates.
Speaking about Peake and the newer players, Inglis said the conditions provide an important education.
“It’s a great experience for them,” Inglis said.
“I said that to Ollie Peake. You do not get harder conditions for an Australian than these, really.”
Inglis explained that even players with previous tours still find batting against reverse swing and quality spin challenging.
The captain believes exposure to these situations will help shape the next generation of white ball players.
Australia ODI schedule and squad
Australia opens the series on June 9 at Sher e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka before returning to the same venue for matches on June 11 and June 14.
The ODI squad includes Josh Inglis as captain, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Matt Short and Adam Zampa.
Following the ODI series, Australia will travel to Chattogram for a three match T20 series beginning on June 17.
Marsh is expected to return for those matches and will captain the T20 squad.