Australia is poised to introduce two new talents to their One-Day International setup as Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Owen are slated to make their ODI debuts against India in Perth on October 19. For Matt Renshaw, this marks a significant moment nearly nine years after his international debut and following 14 Test caps. The 29-year-old batsman earns his maiden ODI opportunity on the back of exceptional white-ball form, notably scoring 248 runs at an outstanding average of 82.66 against Sri Lanka A. His overall List A record also stands strong with 2794 runs at an average of 41.08.
Joining Renshaw in his debut is Mitchell Owen, whose aggressive century off just 48 balls against South Australia earlier this year captured the selectors’ attention. The team’s plans for the opening match have been further shaped by the unavailability of first-choice wicketkeepers Josh Inglis and Alex Carey. This opens the door for Josh Philippe to return to the ODI squad and take the wicketkeeping duties in the series opener.
Adding further depth, all-rounder Matt Short makes his return to the Australian team after recovering from injury. Short is confirmed to bat at number three for the entire three-match series against India. With Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh established as the primary openers, Short will transition to the crucial one-down position, a departure from his previous ten ODI appearances where he consistently opened the batting. Short’s comeback follows a period sidelined by a rib cartilage fracture and a subsequent quad injury. He recently featured in the T20I tour of New Zealand, batting at number three.
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh expressed optimism about the team’s balance of experience and emerging talent, anticipating a memorable series start with a sold-out Perth crowd.
