Will Glenn Maxwell Be Dropped? Australia's Strongest Playing XI For Pakistan ODIs

Maxwell is struggling with poor form [Source: @RoshanSriram123/X]Maxwell is struggling with poor form [Source: @RoshanSriram123/X]

This morning, Cricket Australia announced a robust 14-member men's squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. Led by Pat Cummins, the Aussies will kickstart their home summer with a six-match white-ball leg, including three ODIs and T20Is. 

Despite Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh not being a part of the series, Australia have assembled a formidable team comprising several match-winners. The presence of a number of multidimensional players makes the hosts a team to beat heading into the series. 

So, as Australia gear up to face the Men in Green, let's analyse and find out their strongest playing XI for the much-awaited series. 

Fraser-McGurk To Fill Head's Void; Smith And Inglis Hold Key In Middle Order

Explosive top-order batter Jake Fraser-McGurk recently had a torrid time with the bat, letting Australia down with a string of poor outings on their Scotland tour. So, Travis Head's absence gives the youngster a golden opportunity to showcase his mettle and make the case stronger for his inclusion in Australia's Champions Trophy squad. He will open the batting, being one of the key players to watch out for in the series. 

Matthew Short, who was impressive with bat and ball in England, will open the batting alongside Fraser-McGurk, with the legendary Steve Smith forming Australia's middle-order core alongside Josh Inglis. In Alex Carey's absence, Inglis will don the wicketkeeping gloves and play a pivotal role for the hosts as a middle-order batter. 

The Curious Case Of Glenn Maxwell And Marnus Labuschagne

Despite being a prolific performer in Tests, Marnus Labuschagne hasn't quite lived up to the expectations in white-ball cricket. The right-hander's ODI career has been marred by inconsistency, with him managing 1756 runs at a modest average of 37.36. 

There could be a toss-up between Labuschagne and Aaron Hardie for a place in the playing XI, but Australia will likely prefer the former, at least for the first game, as their number-three batter. This will allow Steve Smith to bat at his preferred number four position, followed by Australia's explosive finishers. 

On the other hand, Glenn Maxwell could also face the heat following his horrendous batting performance in the England ODIs. With the Champions Trophy coming up, this will probably be Maxwell's final opportunity to regain his mojo and justify his selection. He will play as Australia's first-choice finisher alongside his longtime partner-in-crime Marcus Stoinis. 

Australia's bowling combination is straightforward. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and skipper Pat Cummins will lead the pace battery, with Adam Zampa retaining his place as the solitary spinner. 

Australia's Strongest Playing XI For Pakistan ODIs

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa