Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Australia announce ODI squads for Zimbabwe & New Zealand | Will Pat Cummins play against Zimbabwe and New Zealand?

Australia have announced a strong squad for their ODI matches against Zimbabwe and New Zealand to be played in far north Queensland. These matches – three each against the Zimbabweans and Kiwis – will kick off a huge home season that also includes five Tests and a T20 World Cup.

Australia ODI squad for Zimbabwe and New Zealand series

Aaron Finch, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa back, Pat Cummins rested

Test captain Pat Cummins has been rested for these two assignments. It has been a big year so far for the pace bowler, leading Australia to an Ashes series win, 1-0 triumph in Pakistan and 1-1 draw recently in Sri Lanka.

According to national selector George Bailey, it is important Cummins takes this time off to get ready for the big season ahead. The pacer is “being managed through a period of rehabilitation and physical preparation for the upcoming summer.”

Legspinner Adam Zampa returns after missing the Sri Lanka tour due to the birth of his first child. Sean Abbott and Ashton Agar are back after a fractured finger and side strain respectively.

Kane Richardson, who suffered a hamstring injury back in March, has missed out on selection.

“These series against New Zealand, the world’s number one ranked ODI side, and Zimbabwe will be good contests and provide an opportunity to play some great cricket in the lead-up to the home summer,” said national selector George Bailey.

“The team is excited to be marking the start of a huge summer with these matches in North Queensland,” he continued in a statement.

Australia vs Zimbabwe & New Zealand ODI series schedule

Australia vs Zimbabwe ODI series schedule:

• 1st ODI, Townsville, August 28
• 2nd ODI, Townsville, August 31
• 3rd ODI, Townsville, September 3

Australia vs New Zealand ODI series schedule:

• 1st ODI, Cairns, September 6 (D/N)
• 2nd ODI, Cairns, September 8 (D/N)
• 3rd ODI, Cairns, September 11 (D/N)

Following the ODIs, Australia will play T20Is against West Indies and England ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, that gets underway in mid-October.