(Cricket news) The veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has been named as the skipper to lead Australia in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies at home starting next month. The reigning World Champions have left out the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for the series.
Steve Smith was the regular Australian captain before the ”sandpaper gate.” He took over the captaincy from Michael Clarke in late 2015. He has led Australia in 38 Tests, 54 ODIs and 8 T20Is with a win percentage of above 50 across formats. He has showcased a solid temperament when it came to his tough decision making
Travis Head will play deputy to Steve Smith for their home series. Marcus Stoinis ,the world Cup winning all rounder has been left out of the Aussie squad whereas Mitchell Marsh has been rested from the series.
Lance Morris the uncapped pacer has made it to the 13 man squad and is expected to make his debut. Nathan Ellis and Aaron Hardie are also a part of the squad to face the West Indies while Jhye Richardson has been recalled to the Aussie squad.
“It is a little over 12 months until the Champions Trophy and further opportunities for the likes of Aaron Hardie, Matt Short, Jhye Richardson, and Nathan Ellis will be valuable both to our ongoing improvement as a team and also further their personal experiences in ODI cricket,” national selector George Bailey said.
The series is set to begun on February 2nd at the MCG followed by next two games at SCG and Canberra.
ODI squad: Steve Smith (c), Travis Head (vc), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Adam Zampa.
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