Josh Inglis will take on the captaincy for Australia’s third ODI against Pakistan and the subsequent T20 series, stepping in for Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh. Selectors chose wicketkeeper-batsman Inglis over seasoned players like Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Marcus Stoinis. ODI captain Cummins, along with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, will be rested for the final ODI in Perth on Sunday, while T20 captain Marsh is on paternity leave.
 
Selector George Bailey praised Inglis as a key figure in both the ODI and T20 squads, noting his previous leadership experience with Australia A and his strong tactical acumen. Australia’s test players are also set to miss the T20 series, which begins on November 14 in Brisbane, as they prepare for the five-test series against India starting November 22 in Perth.
 
After securing a two-wicket win in the first ODI at Melbourne, Australia leads the series 1-0 and aims to clinch the series in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on Friday. Pacer Josh Hazlewood, absent in Melbourne to play Sheffield Shield, will return for this match, while Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and wicketkeeper Josh Philippe will join the squad for the third ODI.
 
Meanwhile, selectors continue to consider options for a new test opener following David Warner’s retirement. Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney has been promoted to open with Marcus Harris in the second Australia A match against India A, with promising batter Sam Konstas moving to number four after a modest showing in the first match.
 
In preparation for the upcoming test series, India has sent KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to Australia to play with India A. This comes after India’s recent 3-0 home test series loss to New Zealand, marking their first whitewash in a three-match test series on home soil.