Cummins, Starc And Smith Rested; Australia's Probable XI For 3rd ODI vs Pakistan

Cummins and Starc have been rested for 3rd ODI (Source:@dhillow_/X.com)Cummins and Starc have been rested for 3rd ODI (Source:@dhillow_/X.com)

Pakistan made a strong comeback in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide and the stage is now set for the all-important decider in Perth. It was a dominating win for the visitors and Australia surely would be itching to make a strong comeback in this final game of the series. However, they have rested some key players for the final game with the Test series against India coming up, and Josh Inglis is set to lead the Kangaroos for the first time.

So, there are likely to be plenty of changes in Australia's playing XI with their star pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood rested. In the batting department, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are also not available and it would be interesting to see their combination for this game.

Josh Philippe To Replace Steve Smith At Number 3

The opening duo will remain the same in the form of Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk and both would be itching to make an impact in this final game. Josh Philippe is likely to get a go at number 3 in place of Steve Smith with skipper Inglis occupying the number four spot. Marcus Stoinis is also set to play his first game of the series while Maxwell and Hardie would take the number six and number seven position respectively. 

On the bowling front, Adam Zampa is likely to be the lone specialist spinner while Sean Abbott will lead the pace attack with Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson alongside him. There is an option of Lance Morris too, and if he gets a nod, Spencer Johnson might miss out. Overall, it is an opportunity for some fringe players in Australian setup to make their mark and deliver in a pressure game ahead of Champions Trophy 2025.

Australia's Probable XI For 3rd ODI against Pakistan

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis (C&WK), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson