Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs after missing the South Africa series, marking his first assignment of the season. Australia has announced a strong 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series starting October 19 in Perth. Alongside Starc, Matthew Short and Mitchell Owen also return to the side after recovering from injuries, while Matthew Renshaw has earned a call-up following his impressive form in domestic cricket.
This tour will be a key preparation step for both the ODI and upcoming Ashes campaigns, as well as the T20 World Cup in 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights and squad details.
Mitchell Starc Returns for India ODIs – Australia’s ODI Squad Announced
Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs with Mitchell Marsh continuing as captain in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is focusing on regaining fitness ahead of the Ashes starting November 21. The ODI squad looks balanced with a mix of experienced names and new faces.
The Australia ODI Squad includes:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa.
Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs to lead Australia’s pace attack, partnering with Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, and Xavier Bartlett. Starc’s experience will be crucial for Australia as they prepare for a demanding cricketing summer. The squad also includes powerful all-rounders like Marsh, Green, and Connolly, giving balance and flexibility to the team.
Adam Zampa remains the only frontline spinner, while the batting unit will be anchored by Head, Carey, and Inglis. Matthew Renshaw’s return adds depth, especially after his excellent run with Australia A and Queensland.
Mitchell Starc Returns for India ODIs – Key Player Changes
Several players have missed out from the previous ODI series against South Africa, including Marnus Labuschagne, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, and Matthew Kuhnemann. Their absence has opened doors for new opportunities.
Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs to strengthen the bowling department, ensuring Australia has a lethal pace attack. His comeback is expected to boost the morale of the entire team.
Alex Carey will miss the opening ODI in Perth as he will represent South Australia in the Sheffield Shield but will return for the last two matches. Meanwhile, Renshaw’s comeback to the ODI setup after 2022 adds competition for top-order spots.
Following the ODI series, Cameron Green will return to Western Australia to prepare for the Ashes. Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs and will be managed carefully to ensure he remains fit for the long home season.
Mitchell Starc Returns for India ODIs – T20I Squad and Updates
In addition to the ODIs, Australia has also announced its squad for the first two T20Is of the five-match series starting October 29. Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs but remains retired from T20I cricket, as he focuses solely on the longer formats.
Australia T20I Squad (first two games):
Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Josh Inglis and Nathan Ellis make a comeback to the T20 setup after recovering from their respective absences — Inglis from a calf injury and Ellis after missing time due to the birth of his first child. However, Glenn Maxwell remains unavailable due to a wrist injury sustained in the nets before the Chappell-Hadlee series.
Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs, and while he won’t be part of the T20Is, his workload management remains a key focus area for the selectors.
The T20 squad features a power-packed batting lineup of Head, Marsh, Tim David, Inglis, Short, and Owen. Marcus Stoinis continues to play a crucial all-round role, while Dwarshuis, Bartlett, Hazlewood, and Ellis lead the pace department. Zampa and Kuhnemann will handle spin duties for the short format.
Mitchell Starc Returns for India ODIs – Selector’s Remarks and Final Thoughts
Selector George Bailey confirmed that Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs as part of a well-planned rotation strategy aimed at balancing fitness and preparation for upcoming tournaments. He added, “We’ve named a squad for the ODI series and first two T20s, keeping in mind player management as individuals prepare for the Ashes and Sheffield Shield cricket.”
Bailey further explained that while the T20 squad will largely stay intact for the five-match series, some players will rotate in and out based on workload and domestic commitments. This flexibility will help Australia remain competitive across formats.
Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs with renewed focus, having skipped the South Africa series to manage his workload. His inclusion ensures Australia’s pace attack remains one of the most formidable in world cricket.
As the Australian team gears up for the India challenge, fans will be eager to watch how Starc performs on his return. Mitchell Starc returns for India ODIs not just as a fast bowler but as a key leader in Australia’s bowling lineup.
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