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Published 18 Dec, 2019 07:25am

Labuschagne called up as Australia overhaul ODI squad

SYDNEY: In-form Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne will make his One-day International debut in India, as part of a radically overhauled 14-man squad for a three-match tour next month.

Labuschagne has averaged 58.05 since earning his first Test cap last year, scoring centuries in his last three matches, and the 25-year-old has also excelled for Queensland in one-dayers.

While coaching staff would normally be cautious about pitching an uncapped player into difficult Indian conditions, chief selector Trevor Hohns was confident Labuschagne was ready for the challenge.

“Marnus Labuschagne is ready for his international white ball debut after his strong form for Queensland in this form of the game,” he said.

The rising star is part of an ODI squad that has been revamped following Australia’s semi-final exit at this year’s World Cup.

Sean Abbott returns after five years in the ODI wilderness, Ashton Agar gets another chance 18 months after his last one-dayer and Josh Hazlewood has also been recalled.

Hohns said some of the new faces were being rewarded for strong T20 performances.

There was no room for Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Lyon.

Squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2019

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