Now Reading: Tim David Set for Australia ODI Return as 2027 World Cup Plans Take Shape
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Tim David Set for Australia ODI Return as 2027 World Cup Plans Take Shape
Tim David is on the verge of a big white-ball comeback. Australia’s selectors are weighing the hard-hitting batter for the three-match ODI series against England, which starts in Perth on November 13, with the 2027 World Cup in Southern Africa firmly on the radar.
Tim David Set for ODI Comeback After Three Years
The 30-year-old is expected to feature against England as selectors assess whether he fits Australia’s plans for the next 50-over World Cup. The move, as reported by CODE Sports, marks a notable shift for a player who has largely been known as a Twenty20 specialist.
David recently played his first domestic List A match since 2021. He turned out for Tasmania against Victoria on October 23, and coach Jeff Vaughan said the outing was designed to prepare him for the 2027 World Cup.
A Brief ODI Stint Last Time Around
David last played ODIs for Australia during the 2023 tour of South Africa. He made only 45 runs across four innings on that trip.
He then stepped away from the format to focus on his T20 career. That meant he missed Australia’s World Cup-winning campaign in India.
Hobart Outing: Modest Numbers, Clear Purpose
David walked in at No. 6 in Hobart after a rain interruption pushed the required run rate beyond 10 an over. It was a tough ask in a rain-affected One-Day Cup fixture.
He made 13 off 20 balls, with one four and no sixes, before being caught. He did not bowl, and Tasmania lost by 138 runs under the DLS method. Even so, selectors are understood to still be considering him for the England series.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Last ODI series | South Africa, 2023 |
| Runs in that series | 45 in 4 innings |
| Recent List A knock | 13 off 20 balls |
| Boundaries in that knock | 1 four, 0 sixes |
| Tasmania’s result | Lost by 138 runs (DLS) |
Why an ODI Spot Could Boost His Contract Hopes
An ODI call-up could also help David push for a Cricket Australia central contract upgrade for 2026-27. Australia have no T20I series scheduled until the second half of next year, as the team prioritises Test cricket in the coming months.
That makes the England series a rare white-ball window. David is coming off a strong run in the shortest format, having been named Australia’s T20 Player of the Year at the delayed Allan Border Medal ceremony in August.
How the Contract Points System Works
Each white-ball international appearance earns a player two points. They need 12 points in the contract period to qualify for a guaranteed base contract, currently worth $360,645.
| Contract Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Points per white-ball international | 2 |
| Points needed for base contract | 12 |
| Base contract value | $360,645 |
Jack Edwards in Line, Josh Inglis Juggling Formats
New South Wales seam-bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards is also expected to be included for the England series. He impressed selectors on his ODI debut against South Africa and is in contention for a place.
Workload management is another talking point for players who feature in all three formats. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis addressed the issue after scoring a Test century at Newlands.
“It’s tough playing all three forms, or at least being away for all three forms,” Inglis said.
He added that those conversations are regularly held with selection chair George Bailey and the selection committee. According to Inglis, talks over the next couple of weeks will cover how he prepares for the white-ball series and the Test summer.
What Comes Next
The England series in Perth now looks like a proving ground. David needs to show he can adapt his power-hitting to the 50-over game, where the pace of an innings is very different from T20.
With the 2027 World Cup in Southern Africa on the horizon, every innings could matter. A strong showing could secure both a place in the squad and a path to a guaranteed contract.
