AUS vs ZIM- Here's what captains have to say before the series 

Australia will look to have a fresh start to their summer (PC: Twitter)

The summer of cricket in Australia gets underway at Riverway Stadium this weekend when the home side will lock horns with Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series.

The first ODI in Townsville will mark Australia’s first ODI on home soil since December 2020, more than 600 days ago.

Zimbabwe makes its first appearance for a one-day international series in the country since 2004. 

Australia played their last ODI series against Sri Lanka and lost it by a 3-2 margin. Zimbabwe is coming off a recent 3-0 ODI series defeat against India.

Aussies will arrive at full strength to gain momentum in the ICC Super League standings after recently losing an ODI series against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the visitors will have a depleted squad with injured captain Craig Ervine, opening bowler Tendai Chatara and spinner Wellington Masakadza not being part of the touring side.

Ahead of Australia's first home assignment of the summer, Australia's white-ball skipper Aaron Finch showered praise on Zimbabwe's star batter Sikandar Raza and termed him as the strength of Zimbabwe's middle-order.

"He's been in great nick, particularly in his last 15 games, he's got a few hundreds there. He's probably the real strength of their middle order. He's been the really consistent one who's played exceptionally well and throw in his offspin as well, it's been really economical. There's plenty of plans there. We feel like our pace, and our spin group have all the resources available," said Aaron Finch.

Zimbabwe stand-in skipper Regis Chakabva stated that his team will be looking to soak into the conditions as it could be useful for the African nation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, happening in October-November.

"It's the first time in Australia for a whole load of guys and they'll be looking to soak in the conditions as much as we can and certainly keeping an eye on that T20 World Cup in a few weeks' time," said Regis Chakabva.

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