Aussies add firepower after T20 washout

Mixing and matching line-ups with a bit of “juggling” will be the theme of Australia’s whirlwind five-match ODI series against England that the hosts will play without injured skipper Jos Buttler.

After the final T20 in Manchester was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain, leaving the series locked 1-1, Australian captain Mitch Marsh said the focus would quickly shift to the 50-over matches with all five games to be played in just 11 days, opening the door for shifting line-ups.

Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc will join the Australian squad for the matches, adding more firepower after Marsh lauded the “vibe” created by a new-look T20 squad.

“Some guys have had different responsibilities throughout and I think what’s the most pleasing is just the vibe that we’ve had and that we’ve tried to create,” Marsh said.

“And the younger boys have led that, so we spoke about making sure that they make this their own team for the last few weeks and it’s been really enjoyable.

“It’s been a really great few weeks for our T20 squad.

“I think across the board, we know that we’re a really good cricket team, so we’ve got young guys, we’ve got experience. I think Heady (Travis Head) has had an incredible 12 months batting up the top and T20 is about clicking at the right time and trying to be as consistent as we possibly can. It’s exciting.”

The inclusions to the ODI side are “hungry” according to Marsh, who said any showdown with the old enemy was something players thirsted for.

“We obviously welcome in a lot of experience to our group and what I know about guys like Starkey, Maxi, Marnus, Smudger (Smith), they’re really hungry and for the young guys that hang around that would be a great experience for them to witness,” he said.

“So a really exciting few weeks. Australia vs England in any series is always big and we’re looking forward to it.

“There’ll be opportunities for guys throughout the series no doubt. Five games in 11 days, we’ll have to juggle a bit but guys have got opportunities and a lot like the T20 series we’re really excited by that.”

Harry Brook will become England’s third new captain of the summer, taking over the ODI reins in the absence of Buttler, who has failed to overcome a calf injury.

“New captains come in with fresh ideas and approaches,” England caretaker coach Marcus Trescothick said.

“They can test the water and see how it goes in terms of what lies ahead for them. It means you can plan ahead for the future a little bit easier.”