Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc return to Australia squad for ODIs against India

Cricket Australia on September 17 announced an 18-player squad for the three-match ODI series against India set to kick off in Mohali on September 22, and Travis Head's absence is a notable setback. Head has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming ODI series due to a wrist injury. He sustained a wrist fracture during an ODI match against South Africa in Centurion, which will require further medical evaluation upon his return to Australia. 

3 things you need to know

• India and Australia will play a 3-match ODI series 
• The matches will be held in Mohali, Indore and Rajkot
• India and Australia will play in a World Cup match on October 8

ALSO READ: India Vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023 Live Score: SL Won The Toss And Will Bat First

Travis Head ruled out

Filling the void left by Head, Victoria's Matt Short has received his maiden ODI call-up, according to Fox Sports. Short recently made his international debut during the South Africa tour earlier this month, and this selection represents a significant opportunity for the all-rounder to showcase his talent on the global stage.

Additionally, CA confirmed the return of key players who have recovered from injuries, including captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell. However, spinner Ashton Agar will miss the series due to the birth of his first child.

"I was in a brace for a couple of weeks, just trying to limit the movement, which once I got that off it hadn't really made a big difference to be honest," Smith told Nine newspapers. "Then I got a cortisone in it last Thursday, and that has made a big difference. So I've had a couple of sessions back batting now and it feels pretty normal.

"I inside-edged a couple of balls in the nets the other day and my bat turned sharp, and I was like 'oh, that was hurting before' and it wasn't hurting anymore. So that's a real positive, and I feel as though I can play all my shots and there's no pain at all."

ALSO READ: Don't Think Team Will Risk Playing Shreyas Iyer In Asia Cup 2023 Final: Former India Coach

Australia add fringe players 

The squad also features fringe players such as Tanveer Sangha, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis, who will have the chance to impress selectors ahead of the upcoming World Cup in India. The final 15-player squad for the World Cup must be finalised by September 28, keeping the competition among Australian players intense as they aim for a successful campaign in the subcontinent.

Australia’s ODI squad for India series: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith.