Mitchell Marsh reveals Australia’s preferred six for the 2027 ODI World Cup ahead of the England series

Team Australia (PTI Photo) Australia have begun to shape their batting plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh identifying the top six he expects to form the core of the team’s campaign. With limited opportunities to experiment with the format ahead of the global tournament, Marsh suggested the combination set up against England is likely to remain Australia’s preferred batting line-up.According to Cricinfo, the first ODI against England in Perth on Friday will offer a glimpse of Australia’s potential World Cup combination, with Marsh, Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green expected to fill the first six positions.With Australia not playing another ODI series until mid-2027, the upcoming three-match series against England will be an important opportunity for the team to form combinations ahead of the World Cup.

Marsh supports Australia’s preferred batting combination

Marsh expressed confidence in the current batting line-up and suggested the players selected for the England series are likely to form the backbone of Australia’s World Cup plans.“We’ve got the batting line-up that I see in the World Cup and we’re kind of over it,” Marsh said ahead of the ODI series, as quoted by Cricinfo.The absence of Steven Smith, who no longer plays ODI cricket, and Marnus Labuschagno, who has not featured in the format since July, has also brought the current batting combination into sharper focus. Labuschagne was part of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup-winning squad but has endured a difficult run of form in recent months, which has also seen him lose his place in the Test squad.

Australia rests senior fast bowlers ahead of England series

As Australia look to settle their batting combinations, their bowling attack will be without some of their biggest names for the series. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have been rested as they prepare for the upcoming Test duties, providing an opportunity for the younger fast bowlers to impress.One player who will benefit is West Australian paceman Mahli Beardman, who has been confirmed to make his international debut in the opening ODI in Perth.Marsh endorsed the young fast bowler’s ability and expressed his excitement at seeing him make his international debut on home soil.“It’s easy for me because I’m a West Australian. He (Beardman) is right there. He’s an amazing talent. He’s an outgoing young lad. For a young kid, he really understands his game from the start,” Marsh said.Australia and England will begin their three-match ODI series in Perth on Friday. The second match will be played in Adelaide, followed by the series finale in Hobart.