Australia are set to lock horns with Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three-match series on Tuesday in Harare, with the series serving as a crucial platform in their preparation ahead of next year's ODI World Cup. With the ODI World Cup 2027 to be hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia, Australia will use this series as an opportunity to learn about the conditions. Meanwhile, the touring side has named a powerful squad led by veteran star Mitchell Marsh. However, the visitors will miss star performers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

Amid the absence of senior players, it is an opportunity for players like Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, and Mathew Renshaw to demonstrate their worth and bolster their places in the side ahead of the global event. Australia arrive in Zimbabwe on the back of series defeats in their past assignments against Pakistan and Bangladesh, making this series incredibly vital for them to start afresh.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, also head into the series with a full-strength line-up under the captaincy of Sikandar Raza. Sikandar steps in to lead the side in the absence of regular captain Richard Ngarava, who will miss the series because of fitness issues.

The hosts are boosted by the presence of Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Innocent Kaia, Ryan Burl, and Wellington Masakadza, as they all will be expected to play a crucial role in helping the team challenge Australia. Notably, Zimbabwe overcame Bangladesh with a 2-1 series win in a three-match ODI series held in July at Harare.

Head-to-head

Matches - 33

AUS won - 29

ZIM won - 3

No result: 1 

Zimbabwe possible XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani

Australia possible XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Ollie Peake (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood