Cricket Australia has signalled a significant changing of the guard for the upcoming white-ball tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh, unveiling three distinct squads that balance high-performance workload management with a clear look at the next generation of talent.
With the IPL 2026 season drawing to a close, the selectors confirmed that the Big Three – Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood- will be rested from both tours. The decision underscores CA’s commitment to managing the physical toll on its premier multi-format stars ahead of a dense international calendar.
YOUNGSTERS FOR PAKISTAN
The tour of Pakistan, consisting of three ODIs starting May 30, presents a unique challenge as it overlaps with the playoffs and the final of the IPL. Consequently, Australia’s white-ball specialists still engaged in the tournament have been omitted from the Pakistan leg.
In their absence, the squad takes on an experimental hue.
Mitchell Marsh, who has been with Lucknow Super Giants, will captain a group that features several notable recalls and potential debutants. Billy Stanlake and Riley Meredith return to the fold to provide raw pace on the flat decks of Rawalpindi and Lahore, while South Australian all-rounder Liam Scott and Victorian prodigy Oliver Peake have earned maiden call-ups.
“The Pakistan series provides a brilliant opportunity to see how our emerging players handle the pressure of one of the most challenging touring environments in world cricket,” said Chair of Selectors George Bailey via cricket.com.au.
IPL STARS RETURN FOR BANGLADESH
As the schedule moves to Bangladesh in June, the cavalry arrives. Travis Head, arguably the world’s most dangerous white-ball opener, will rejoin the squad for the three ODIs in Dhaka. He is joined by the Punjab Kings trio of Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, and Ben Dwarshuis, all of whom return to international duty after their IPL commitments.
The inclusion of Connolly and Bartlett highlights the selectors’ desire to reward form in T20 leagues with opportunities in the 50-over format. Matthew Kuhnemann and Tanveer Sangha also retain their spots across both ODI squads, reflecting the tactical necessity of premier spin options on low-slow subcontinent surfaces.
The tour concludes with a three-match T20I series in Bangladesh, where the squad undergoes a further shift. Hard-hitting all-rounder Aaron Hardie and pace sensation Spencer Johnson enter the fray, alongside the exciting Joel Davies, who earns his first senior international call-up.
Josh Philippe also returns to the T20 setup, providing a secondary wicket-keeping option and top-order flexibility. The T20I squad appears designed with the next cycle of global tournaments in mind, focusing on versatility and impact players who can thrive in spinning conditions.
AUSTRALIA SQUADS FOR PAK AND BAN TOURS
For Pakistan ODIs: 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.
For Bangladesh ODIs: 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.
For Bangladesh T20Is: 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,
Pakistan ODIs
- May 30: First ODI, Rawalpindi – 5:00pm IST
- June 2: Second ODI, Lahore – 5:00pm IST
- June 4: Third ODI, Lahore – 5:00pm IST
Bangladesh ODIs
- June 9: First ODI, Dhaka – 10:30am IST
- June 11: Second ODI, Dhaka – 10:30am IST
- June 14: Third ODI, Dhaka – 10:30am IST
Bangladesh T20Is
- June 17: First T20I, Chattogram – 1:30pm IST
- June 19: Second T20I, Chattogram – 1:30pm IST
- June 21: Third T20I, Chattogram – 1:30pm IST
– Ends