Australia Omit Labuschagne from ODI Squad

TOWNSVILLE, Aug 27: Australia's white-ball skipper Aaron Finch has hinted at a major shake-up in the ODI batting line-up when the hosts take on Zimbabwe in the first of the three-match series to be played here on Sunday, with charismatic batter Marnus Labuschagne omitted as the Kangaroos go into the game packed with all-rounders.

A report in cricket.com.au said on Saturday that the playing XI for the first ODI will have wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey elevated to No.4, while Steve Smith will fill the No.3 position and Mitchell Marsh will move from No.3 to No. 6 spot.

Finch added that Labuschagne's omission is "down to a new structure they want to test out".

"The reasoning behind Marnus (Labuschagne) is we're just going with an allrounder-heavy side," Finch said on Saturday.

"Two quicks plus (leg-spinner Adam) Zampa, and Cameron Green as the fourth genuine bowler. And then using (Mitchell) Marsh, (Marcus) Stoinis, (Glenn) Maxwell as our fifth bowler effectively," added Finch.

Zimbabwe, who haven't played an ODI against Australia since 2014, will be without their key players, including Craig Ervine, opening bowler Tendai Chatara and spinner Wellington Masakadza, who are recovering from injuries.

Australia XI for first ODI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood. IANS

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