New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Australia’s upcoming ODI assignments in Zimbabwe and South Africa will provide valuable exposure to conditions expected at the 2027 ODI World Cup, stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh said ahead of the three-match series against Zimbabwe.
The defending world champions are currently in Zimbabwe for three ODIs before travelling to South Africa, where they will play three ODIs and three Tests. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Marsh believes the African tour is particularly important for younger members of the Australian squad who have limited experience playing in the region.
“I think it presents a great opportunity,” Marsh told Fox Sports. He noted that conditions in Zimbabwe and South Africa can bear similarities to those in Australia, although they can also be more challenging.
Australia have experienced inconsistent ODI results since lifting the 2023 World Cup in India. They have lost their last two away ODI series in Pakistan and Bangladesh, although they defeated India 2-1 in a home series late last year.
Marsh attributed some of those results to challenging conditions and the inexperience of Australia’s squads on those tours.
He said the difficult assignments in Pakistan and Bangladesh should ultimately benefit the younger players by giving them experience in conditions where winning is difficult even with a full-strength team.
Marsh added that Australia understand the style of cricket they want to play in the conditions expected in Zimbabwe and South Africa. He also stressed that success at a World Cup depends on several factors, including timing and luck, while describing the ODI World Cup as the pinnacle of white-ball cricket.
Australia’s demanding Test schedule could also affect their ODI selections. Marsh said several Test players may be unavailable for one-day internationals over the coming year, particularly with a heavy workload ahead for the team’s leading fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
However, he believes that could create an opportunity to build greater depth before the 2027 tournament.
Australia have played relatively little ODI cricket over the past 12 to 18 months, Marsh said, adding that giving younger players opportunities now could leave the selectors with a stronger pool of options when the World Cup arrives.
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