Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood Rested as Australia Name Fresh-Look Squads for England

Australia’s pace trio is getting a breather. Test captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have all been left out of the ODI and T20 squads to face England. Selectors are protecting their frontline quicks for a punishing summer of 10 Tests in 14 weeks, and fresh talent now has a window to shine.

Big Three Quicks Rested for a Marathon Summer

Australia will play three ODIs and five T20 internationals against England. Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood were not named in either squad on Monday.

The decision is all about the Test calendar. Four Tests against New Zealand and five in India loom, plus the 150th anniversary Test against England.

Bailey Explains the Workload Plan

Chair of selectors George Bailey made it clear that this is a calculated move. “We are in the middle of a highly demanding phase of our schedule,” he said.

“Our multi-format players are transitioning directly from the tour of South Africa into an ODI and T20 series, leaving a narrow window to ensure the squad is physically prepared and fresh for the upcoming New Zealand Test series.”

Bailey also pointed to the road ahead. From the moment the Test players assemble in Perth through to the 150th anniversary Test against England, the team will have been on the road for more than 100 days.

Key Batters Managed Through the T20 Series

The big three are not the only names getting a rest. Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and all-rounder Cameron Green will be managed through the T20 series.

All five are coming off long tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. They will now prepare for the Tests against New Zealand and India.

Bailey said each player’s build-up to the New Zealand series will be carefully planned. The focus will be on individual physical and mental preparation.

Debut Buzz: Beardman and Shaw Step Up

There is plenty of excitement around the new faces. Rising WA paceman Mahli Beardman will make his national one-day debut after playing one T20 for Australia.

“Mahli Beardman’s recent performances for Australia A were impressive and we are incredibly excited for his return to the national team across the ODI and T20 formats,” Bailey said. “We think he can continue to develop into an all-format player across the coming years.”

Promising NSW batter Lachlan Shaw joins the T20 squad for the first time. He impressed on the recent Australia A tour to India and in the BBL.

Returns, Rewards and Absentees

Jack Edwards earned a place in both squads after a strong tour of South Africa and consistent domestic form. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson and all-rounder Liam Scott return to the ODI squad.

Nathan Ellis misses the ODI series as he recovers from a side strain.

In the T20 squad, Hobart Hurricanes star Tim David, the recently crowned Australian T20 player of the year, will spearhead the group. Hard-hitting opener Jake Fraser-McGurk has won back his place for the first time since 2025.

The Squads

Australia ODI Squad

Australia T20 Squad

Building Towards Bigger Goals

This series is about more than rest. The ODI side continues to build towards Australia’s 2027 World Cup defence in Africa.

The T20 squad has a longer-term target in sight: the 2028 LA Olympics and T20 World Cup. With so many new names getting opportunities, England will face a very different Australian look.

For the young guns, this is a golden chance to make a statement. For the senior quicks, it is a reset before the real marathon begins.