Mitchell Owen Earns ODI Call-Up as Australia Announce Squads For SA vs AUS Series

Mitchell Owen has been given his first ODI call-up in Australia’s team for the forthcoming SA vs AUS (South Africa vs Australia) series to be played in northern Australia later this August. The 23-year-old all-rounder’s inclusion comes after his explosive debut T20I performances against the West Indies.

Mitchell Owen Rewarded for Explosive Start in T20Is

Owen demonstrated his aggressive batting in the T20I series vs the West Indies, scoring 125 runs with a strike rate of 192.30, with a destructive debut half-century in Jamaica. His selection is also supported by his domestic performance, where he hammered 149 off only 69 balls for Tasmania in the One-Day Cup last season.

His finishing skills with force and aplomb have seen him included in the 50-over team for the SA vs AUS ODI series, an indication of Australia’s preparation to add depth to a forthcoming hectic white-ball schedule.

Head and Hazlewood Back; Short Recovers from Injury

Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood are back in both the T20I and ODI teams after being rested for the West Indies series. Matt Short, who had missed that series because of a side strain, has also been given a clean bill of health and is back in contention for both formats.

Pat Cummins, Starc Rested and Marsh Remains ODI Captain

Veteran pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins have been rested across both formats to prepare for the coming home summer. Mitchell Marsh will take charge of the ODI team in their place, maintaining his captaincy role from the series against the West Indies.

Lance Morris Recalled for ODIs

Pace bowler Lance Morris comes back into the ODI team after not playing against Pakistan in November. The Cricket Australia-contracted seamer has been handled with care because of the history of his back injuries, but was impressive in the Sheffield Shield and BBL, claiming 13 wickets at 20.84 and 15 wickets in 8 games respectively.

Marnus Labuschagne has kept his ODI spot, having been dropped from the Test team for the West Indies tour. As earlier indicated by coach Andrew McDonald, Labuschagne’s experience and ability to adapt are important in the 50-over game.

Young Guns Left Out for SA v AUS T20Is

Some of the talented young players from the West Indies whitewash are left out of the T20Is against South Africa:

Jake Fraser-McGurk

Aaron Hardie

Cooper Connolly

Xavier Bartlett (not selected for T20Is but in ODIs)

Hardie, who ended the last T20I with a calm match-winning innings, and Fraser-McGurk, who was a late cover for Short, both played cameo roles in the West Indies tour.

Selectors Laud Squad Depth and Versatility

Chairman of selectors George Bailey had words of praise for the team’s depth and versatility, saying:

“The batting order flexibility and bowlers’ ability to adapt to situations in a match stood out. Players such as Mitchell Owen and Matt Kuhnemann seized their opportunities, which is encouraging as we construct towards the T20 World Cup.”

Bailey highlighted the importance of a rotating core group with consideration of player development and readiness for key international competitions.

Australia’s Schedule for SA vs AUS Series

T20I Series:

August 10 & 12 – Darwin

August 16 – Cairns

ODI Series:

August 19 – Cairns (1st ODI)

August 22 & 24 – Mackay (2nd & 3rd ODIs)

Australia squad for white ball series against South Africa 

Australia T20I Squad vs South Africa:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matt Short, Adam Zampa

Australia ODI Squad vs South Africa:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matt Short, Adam Zampa

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