For the sixth time in history, Australia would have finished the year as the men’s ODI world champions in exactly two months. Of course, no Indian cricket fan has completely forgotten what happened on November 19, 2023.
However, the ten months since that amazing evening in Ahmedabad have gone by for the Australian ODI team so quietly that you would think some Australian cricket fans might need a reminder. Particularly considering that September marks the end of the season for all of the main football leagues in the nation.
Perhaps it’s also a reflection of the times we live in since ODI cricket doesn’t attract the same level of attention as it formerly did. Or maybe it’s just the sheer number of other cricket formats played in the interim—not to mention a T20 World Cup.
Only the fourth One-Day International (ODI) will be played by Australia after they regained their crown last November when they departed on Thursday, September 19. While Pat Cummins prepares for the Test summer back home, it will also be the first time some of their World Cup stars have played in 50-over cricket since November 19.
For the record, Australia has already played five international cricket matches in the United Kingdom throughout the past three weeks, with one being wiped out. In the Twenty20 International series, they drew even with England after thrashing Scotland 3-0.
The fact that white-ball cricket is not shown on free-to-air TV in Australia may also have contributed to the two series’ lack of regular media attention, even if the matches start late in this region.
The five ODIs against England should generate more attention. First off, it will be beneficial that the games start much earlier, allowing most Australians to watch most of the first innings before going to bed.
There will undoubtedly be greater significance to events occurring in the upcoming weeks, beginning with Nottingham’s opening match. In five months, there will be a Champions Trophy to look forward to.
The Australians have only ever won this competition once, back in 2009. Historically, they have not had much success in it. Additionally, there has been a lot of talk among Australian cricket’s elite about their desire to concentrate on the eight-team competition that is set to take place in February.
As a result, some more experienced players have continued to play in the format even though they could have ended their careers on a high note, as David Warner did in Ahmedabad. A few months ago, he even hinted at a potential return for the Champions Trophy.
After the Test matches in late January, Australia may play three further One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in Sri Lanka and three more against Pakistan in November.
However, since the India Tests are so close to them, all the Test players are still waiting to play against Pakistan. This means that the selectors and team management will have the best opportunity to better understand the composition of the Champions Trophy squad during this tour to England.
Cameron Green may get more playing time after coming and going during the ODI World Cup last year. He is scheduled to bat at No. 4, which is a perfect position for the all-round player, at least to begin the series.
However, Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis might be unable to attend Nottingham due to illness. They will be replaced by the impressive Matt Short and the returning Alex Carey, who will be viewed as important members of the lower order, just as they were in India.
Marcus Stoinis is the one missing out. Aaron Hardie and Short will still be considered, especially after their standout performances in England increased their prospects of winning the Champions Trophy. Stoinis was left out of the playing XI for the tournament’s business end last year.
Adam Zampa, Australia’s main man in the last three World Cup victories, will play in his 100th ODI to start the series. For the past four years, he has averaged 21.71 with the ball and has undoubtedly been the top spinner in white-ball international cricket, maybe even surpassing Rashid Khan.
Additionally, the pace attack will revolve around him, just as it did in India, with Starc and Hazlewood eager to try and expand their trophy collection before finishing their 50-over cricket careers.
Given the stakes, the Australian selectors will undoubtedly be closely watching. And the cricket world at large. If anyone needs another reminder, these are the world champions in action.