Australia suffer major setback ahead of ODI tour of Pakistan as key player sustains injury

Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of Australia's upcoming three-match ODI tour of Pakistan after sustaining an ankle injury. Marsh was set to lead the team in Pat Cummins' absence, and his injury creates a leadership void and further depletes an already under-strength Aussie squad.

Marsh didn't feature in Lucknow Super Giants' last league-stage fixture against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 19. He returned to Australia a day after the game and was supposed to stand in for Cummins as captain during the tour with the other squad members due to land in Pakistan this weekend.

'The Bison', as he is fondly known among his peers, is also uncertain for the subsequent Bangladesh tour that starts June 17. A call on his participation in the series will be taken based on his injury assessment in due course of time. Wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis is likely to lead Australia against Pakistan in Marsh's absence.

Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have been given an extended break from national duty and the trio won't even be a part of the Bangladesh tour. Meanwhile, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis were not included in the ODI squad for the Pakistan tour as Punjab Kings (PBKS) were expected to qualify for the playoffs.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has already mentioned that they are planning to utilise Green lower down the order in a new role to realise a life after Glenn Maxwell in the 50-over format.

The first ODI between Australia and Pakistan will be played on May 30 in Rawalpindi. The second and third ODIs will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and 4, respectively.

Australia squad for ODIs in Pakistan

Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matthew Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa