The big picture
Looking ahead to 2026, the T20 series is missing several big-name players and with the final being called off due to terrible weather in Manchester, the upcoming five-match ODI series (yes, it’s old-school and yes, it’s probably overdone) seems to have more immediate relevance as some key multi-format players return with an eye on next year’s Champions Trophy.
One of the key players who will not be playing in this match is Jos Buttler, who is recovering from a calf injury. That means Harry Brook will be in the England captaincy this season, which is probably not a big deal given the sense that he is a genuine long-term option to lead the team. There will also be a lot of interest in how Jofra Archer will fare in his first 50-over appearance in 18 months. His workload will be considerably increased, but he will be managed carefully.
Meanwhile, Australia are back in the series with a number of senior players, including Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc. Alex Carey is also in the squad, but in ODIs he is a backup to Josh Inglis after being dropped early in last year’s World Cup. Either way, the tour will include a return to Lord’s next week, where Carey’s career will see a dramatic storyline unfold.
At the other end of the experience scale – and it really couldn’t be further from that – is the backup fast bowler Mahli Beardman. He has only played one professional game but has certainly made a splash and while he is not yet officially in the squad, he could step up if there is any general soreness among the other fast bowlers.
“He’s a great youngster,” said Mitchell Marsh, a West Australian. “He’s got a lot of talent at 19 and he showed it at the Under-19 World Cup. I think he’ll learn a lot from being here. I’ve faced him in the nets a few times. If you look at the history of Australian cricket, there have been quite a few players who have come in suddenly, but Mahli is definitely very talented and he bowls fast.”
Form Guide
(Last 5 completed matches, most recent first)
uk LWLWW
australia WWWWW
People to watch: Jofra Archer and Glenn Maxwell
The A word will never be far away. Much of what England are doing now is with the 2025-26 Ashes in mind and the rehabilitation. Jofra Archer It’s top of the list. This will be his first 50-over match, international or domestic, since March 2023. So far, it’s been a carefully managed return, with a diet of T20 action. That phased approach will continue and there’s a chance he won’t bowl his full quota of 10 overs, but it’s another important step in Archer’s return and another step in his hopes of eventually returning to Test cricket.
Glenn Maxwell He hasn’t played an ODI since the World Cup final, having been rested for the series against West Indies earlier this year. He’s still having to deal with the aftermath of a horrific leg injury he sustained late in 2022, but he’s another player the selectors will be careful with. At 35, he’s one of those players who might not be available for the next ODI World Cup in 2027, so the Champions Trophy could be a farewell to one of the most dynamic white-ball cricketers of all time.
Team News: Archer plays. Australia’s opening question
Ben Duckett will open for the first time in his ODI career, with Brook, the acting captain, coming in at No. 4. Jamie Smith is confirmed as the wicketkeeper and would likely have done so even if Buttler was in good form. Archer will open the series. Jacob Bethell is set to make his debut and the final decision seems to be who will play at No. 6, with Liam Livingstone’s bowling likely to change things up for Brook to spread the overs between Bethell and Will Jacks.
uk: (possible) 1 Ben Duckett, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Will Jacks, 4 Harry Brook (c), 5 Jamie Smith (top), 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Jacob Bethell, 8 Brydon Cass, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Reece Topley
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the 2nd T20I due to illness, after contracting the virus. With an already thin squad set to take part in the first ODI, several veterans could be affected. As in the T20s, Australia are looking for a long-term replacement for David Warner. Inglis and Jake Fraser-McGurk are not short of options, with Travis Head set to feature against the West Indies after being rested after the opener. Marsh has also enjoyed success there before, and if he moves up, Smith and Labuschagne could both find a place. Inglis did not train much before the opener due to a sore quadriceps, so there could be questions about whether he will feature. Carey would then step in.
australia: (possible) 1 Travis Head, 2 Mitchell Marsh (c), 3 Stephen Smith, 4 Cameron Green, 5 Marnus Labuschagne, 6 Josh Inglis/Alex Carey (c), 7 Glenn Maxwell/Matthew Short, 8 Shaun Abbott, 9 Mitchell Starc/Ben Dwarshuis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood/Aaron Hardy
Trent Bridge is a great place to bat in one-day cricket. It has had the highest average and strike rate of any ground in England and Wales since 2010. However, the ball can swing, giving the bowlers a chance. The sunny weather is expected to last at least until the start of the series.
quotes
“It’s still a long way off. Personally, I’m going to focus on each game, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.”
Harry Brook Some say that this series has no relevance to the 2025-2026 Ashes.
“It’s definitely a busy schedule and sometimes you have to manage the players. Playing five games in 10 days is definitely a big ask, but we will manage it as best we can.”
Mitchell Marsh About Australia’s fast bowlers
