Sun Nov 03 17:44:13 UTC 2024: ## Cummins and Babar Return for Australia-Pakistan ODI Series Opener

Melbourne, November 4 – Cricket fans are in for a treat as two of the world’s best players, Pat Cummins and Babar Azam, return to their respective playing XIs for the first ODI between Australia and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Cummins, who last donned the ODI jersey in the World Cup final victory in Ahmedabad, will lead Australia once again. Babar, who was rested during the England Test series, makes his comeback for the first time since the World Cup 2023 match against England.

Adding to the excitement, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, also rested for the England series, are back in the Pakistan lineup. Both teams will be using this series to build momentum ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy.

Australia will field a fresh face in opener Jake Fraser-McGurk alongside Matt Short, as confirmed by captain Cummins in a press conference. Cummins also highlighted the importance of giving opportunities to younger players like Fraser-McGurk and Aaron Hardie.

Australia enters the series with a 3-2 victory over England in their previous assignment. Pakistan, under their new leadership of captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Agha Salman, are looking to make a strong return after their last ODI outing in the World Cup.

Here are the playing XIs:

**Australia:** Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

**Pakistan:** Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Agha Salman (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicket-keeper), Mohammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain.

Read More