As multi-format talents return, Champions Trophy looms large

It feels like this upcoming five-match ODI series – yes, old-school and yes, probably overkill – has a little more immediate relevance with an eye on next year’s where the view was longer-term to 2026, a number of big names were missing, and the decider washed out on a horrible day in Manchester.

Champions Trophy as some key multi-format players return after a T20 series.

This is only the second series for both Australia and England since their disparate World Cup campaigns last year: Australia defeated the same opposition 3-0 in February, while England lost 2-1 in the West Indies last December. This serves to emphasise the diminishing value of bilateral ODIs. Name the starting lineups that these two teams used in the series’ deciders (don’t cheat by going here and here).

Jos Buttler is one important player who will miss these games due to a setback in his recovery from a calf injury. Harry Brook is now an official member of the England captaincy for the upcoming season, which is likely not unimportant considering the perception that he is a viable long-term option to captain the team. Jofra Archer’s performance in his maiden 50-over match in 18 months will also be highly watched. He will be closely monitored, but his workload will increase significantly.

Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc are among the senior players who have arrived in Australia. While Alex Carey is a member of the team, he is currently Josh Inglis’ backup in one-day internationals having being benched early in the World Cup last year. In any case, he will be returning to Lord’s next week as part of the tour, which will include a spectacular

The call-up of quick bowler Mahli Beardman as a backup player is at the other extreme of the experience spectrum – you couldn’t really go much further. Even though he isn’t technically a member of the team yet, his one professional game has made him a talking point. All it would take for him to advance would be some general pain among the other fast bowlers.

Mitchell Marsh, a fellow West Australian, described him as “a ripping little kid.” “During the Under-19 World Cup, he demonstrated his exceptional talent for a 19-year-old. I believe that having him here will teach him a lot. Yes, I have faced him in the nets on a few occasions.

Also Read: ‘Just do it’: Harry Brook to trust his instincts on England captaincy debut

Mahli is undoubtedly incredibly good and bowls quickly, but in Australian cricket history, there have been many guys who have seemingly come out of nowhere.”