Pat Cummins To Unleash Jake Fraser-McGurk As Australia Announces Playing XI For 1st ODI Vs PAK

McGurk set to open in 1st ODI [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.Com]

With a day left for the first ODI, Australian captain, Pat Cummins has announced their playing XI for the 1st ODI vs Pakistan set to be played at the MCG on Monday. Interestingly, Cummins has stated that young sensation, Jake Fraser-McGurk set to open the innings.

The series is a great preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy and Cummins is already looking ahead at the future as Australia eye a series win against the Pakistan team.

Speaking to the reporters on Sunday, Cummins confirmed that Matthew Short will open with Fraser-McGurk as Australia are set to unleash an attacking opening pair. This will be Fraser-McGurk's first ODI match since he last played against West Indies in February this year.

All-rounder, Aaron Hardie, who impressed everyone on the England tour gets a place in the playing XI, while the likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell form a solid middle order trio.

Starc and Cummins return for this series as Sean Abbott will be the third seamer in the side, alongside the lone spinner, Adam Zampa.

Head, Marsh to miss out

Star players, Travis Head and Mitch Marsh miss out on the ODI series as they are unavailable due to paternity leaves. Their absence provides a great chance for the youngsters to shine at the big stage.

Australia are coming into this series on the back of a 3-2 win Vs England, while Pakistan have not played a single ODI since the 2023 World Cup.

Australia Playing XI

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

---

ALSO READ

3 Players To Watch Out During Australia vs Pakistan ODI Series

---