That sees Lance Morris included in his first-ever ODI squad, whereas the likes of Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson and Nathan Ellis are recalled. However, Marcus Stoinis was dumped from the facet in a shock omission, whereas gloveman Alex Carey – who misplaced his place throughout Australia’s victorious World Cup marketing campaign – was additionally overlooked.

George Bailey stated in an announcement: “It is a little over 12 months until the Champions Trophy and further opportunities for the likes of Aaron Hardie, Matt Short, Jhye Richardson, and Nathan Ellis will be valuable both to our ongoing improvement as a team and also further their personal experiences in ODI cricket.

“The squad strikes a balance between players continuing to make their mark on international cricket, playing alongside some of our most experienced players with an eye to the future in this format.”

AUSTRALIA ODI SQUAD FOR WEST INDIES SERIES

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Adam Zampa

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‘Eye to the future’: Stoinis dumped in big Aussie ODI cull as new era begins

MARNUS BACKS SMITH TO OPEN, GREEN AT FOUR

It comes after Australia’s No.3 Marnus Labuschagne stated he believes Smith would succeed as an opener – and it may encourage him to increase his profession.

“If Steve does get the nod from Pat (Cummins) and the selectors and the coaches I’ve got no doubt that he would do a good job,’’ said Labuschagne on Tuesday.

“I think his (Smith’s) desire is that he’s excited for a new challenge. If that motivates him and that gets the cricket world Steve Smith for another three years I think that is a massive win.

“So if that is the way they go, I’m sure he’s going to do a good job. And if they don’t they don’t he averages 63 at number four so that is pretty good as well.

“It looks like the perfect scenario. When he was captain he liked a little bit more time from being in the field to getting out there. But I think he is ready to get out there from the start now.’’

Labuschagne also was bullish on the prospect of Green batting at number four, given he boasts a remarkable Shield average over 60 when lining up in that position for WA.

“Obviously Cameron Green’s record at No 4 four Western Australia is amazing. Obviously that is not a direct correlation to Test cricket but I think (you would be) pretty confident over a period of time he’s going to be a very good player in that position,” Labuschagne stated.

“I’ve seen him get three hundreds (at four) at the Gabba in Shield cricket. He has a really nice even temperament. He is a very good decision maker, especially for a guy who is over two metres tall.

“He has a sound technique and a great defence. That’s the versatility you need at four. Someone who can play different scenarios. (He) knows when to push the button and knows when to hold back.

“We have seen him play in England and manage extensive periods of short pitched bowling. I’m sure that if he goes down that oath he can manage those different scenarios.’’

Labuschagne did, however, offer his support if selectors make a late switch and decide to have Green open – leaving Smith at four.

“I have no doubt that if Cam had to slot into the No.1 spot that he would be able to do that as well and that he would be able to bat wherever the team needs,” Labuschagne stated.

“But it seems in this case that Steve really wants that opportunity to bat at the top. If they do end up going that way it looks like the perfect swap.”

‘SHOCKING’ BLOW FOR BANCROFT

Bancroft is the main run-scorer within the Sheffield Shield over the past two seasons, however his newest snubbing has raised doubts over his probabilities of ever receiving a Test recall.

Earlier this week, Bancroft said his case to switch Warner, declaring: “I feel like I’m physically, mentally and emotionally ready to take that opportunity.”

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody wrote on X, previously often called Twitter, that whereas choice is “never an easy task … the oversight of Cameron Bancroft is shocking”.

“His first class numbers are so compelling against his peers it feels there is another agenda which I hope was communicated to him honestly!” he added.

Former Australia opener and coach Justin Langer, in the meantime, wrote in a column for The West Australian that Bancroft can be “gutted”.

“The non-selection of Cameron Bancroft for this next test match against the West Indies is disappointing. He will be gutted,” Langer wrote.

“The mantra for all selectors is to tell aspiring players to score runs, take wickets, knock down the door. Be so good we can’t ignore you. Bancroft was given this message. All players are. He has taken the advice.

“His numbers are outstanding. Not only has he made a lot of runs, but his fielding in the slips or at bat pad is as good as any player in the country. He is at that age where players like Michael Hussey, Chris Rogers and Adam Voges have come in and dominated. A lot of good judges have pointed to his weight of runs, they are undeniable.

“Critics might point to his weaknesses of days gone by. Every player who is any good, gets dropped, looks for feedback and then goes away and gets better. Bancroft has ticked this box as well.

“Others might point to his past, and a vast error of Judgement in South Africa. He, like no other, knows the mistake he made. He has taken major steps forward, just as Steve Smith and David Warner did after their suspensions. Hopefully he has been forgiven for that.

“Form can’t be the issue. Timing isn’t either. David Warner has just retired. Cameron Bancroft will feel disappointed, as will Marcus Harris who has been next in line for some time. Matthew Renshaw will be understandably delighted.”

Bancroft has put up a Sheffield Shield-leading 1457 runs over the past two seasons, serving to West Australia to back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.

Former Australian Test captain Kim Hughes warned on Monday – earlier than information of Bancroft’s omission got here by means of – that overlooking the Western Australian’s Shield type would ship the incorrect message to gamers within the home first-class system.

“I think the other, and a very important thing is, you must reward those that are performing well, and our Sheffield Shield competition — yes it is not as strong as it used to be when he had our Test players playing in it — it is still the competition from which you can have a look and see who is playing well,” Hughes advised The West Australian.

“I just think get Bancroft in there, it also sends a message to the Shield players that if you perform, you’ll get picked.

“You may as well go and play marbles — it would be just shattering.”

FULL REACTION: ‘Can’t be the issue’ — Aussie ‘agenda’ fears over ‘gutting’ call as Test squad fuels debate