Australia name ODI squad to face India as Renshaw gets first call-up
Australia have included left-hander Matthew Renshaw in their 14-player squad for the upcoming ODI series against India, with the three matches set to be played in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney on October 19, 23 and 25. The call-up marks Renshaw’s first exposure to the 50-over format at international level, a notable step given the team’s broader preparations for the 2025-26 Ashes tour against England.
The scheduling is tight but clear: after the ODIs, Australia will launch a five-match T20 series before turning the page to the Ashes later in the northern summer. The squad selection is being watched closely in the lead-up to the Ashes, as selectors weigh options for a balanced top order as they seek stability at the top of the order.
Renshaw’s international journey and what he brings
Renshaw, 29, is a tested Test batter who has represented Australia in 14 Tests, amassing 645 runs in 24 innings at an average of 29.31. He has yet to play an ODI, but his experience at the highest level of cricket—particularly in pressure situations—adds depth to the middle-late overs and gives the management a different finishing option if required. His left-handed technique offers variety alongside Australia’s pace-heavy attack and an improving middle order.
His most recent Australia duty came in India in February 2023, where he faced a challenging spell and scored 0, 2 and 2 while batting at number five. That Australia side was navigating a demanding tour, and Renshaw’s return to international cricket in an ODI context represents an opportunity to broaden his skill set against a world-class Indian line-up.
The ODI puzzle: who opens with Usman Khawaja?
A recurring talking point for Australia has been the top order, specifically who will partner Khawaja at the top and who slots into the number three position. The selectors have experimented with several combinations, including Travis Head, Steve Smith, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne, trying to find a balance between consistency and aggression. Renshaw’s inclusion adds another option to the mix, with his patient technique potentially complementing the more aggressive scorers in the middle order.
Head and Smith remain fixtures for Australia in most formats, while Labuschagne’s form continues to be a major factor in selection decisions. The ODI series against India provides a platform for emerging players to stake their claim ahead of the Ashes, and Renshaw’s experience could prove valuable in the event of injuries or tactical changes during the matches.
What the schedule means for preparation and the Ashes
The immediate focus is the three-game ODI set against India, followed by five T20 internationals. The ODI results will influence reckonings ahead of the Ashes, where Australia often prioritizes adaptability and depth in the batting order. Australia’s selectors typically weigh form, technique, and the ability to counter high-quality spin and pace alike when preparing for England’s attack in Perth and beyond.
With England having already announced their Ashes squad, Australia are expected to finalize their own party closer to the Perth start on November 21. The ongoing debate about the opening combination and the number three berth will continue to generate headlines as the series progresses.
Why Renshaw’s selection matters
Renshaw’s inclusion signals a broader strategy by Australia to evaluate a wider talent pool ahead of a high-stakes Ashes campaign. If he rides the wave of performance in the India ODIs, he could become a versatile option in white-ball formats as well as a potential squad member for Tests in monsoon-like conditions that demand technical resilience and steadiness at the crease.
