Are Australia playing their B team against Pakistan? Why Aussies are missing key players?

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Are Australia playing their B team against Pakistan? Why Aussies are missing key players? originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:​

• Australia's pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood are rested ahead of 20 Tests in 12 months.
• Skipper Mitchell Marsh is also out injured from Pakistan.
• Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green's struggles are a genuine concern.

Australia are missing half their first team in Pakistan: Here is the full picture​

Australia began their three-match ODI series against Pakistan with a five-wicket defeat at Rawalpindi, and questions have been asked whether the visitors have named a second-string team.

The most obvious names missing from the touring squad are Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed all three were keen to make the trip but were instructed to rest.

The reason is that Australia face at least 20 Tests in the next twelve months, with a potential 21st if they qualify for the World Test Championship final. Placing three of the most important fast bowlers in the world on a subcontinental ODI tour when a historic Test workload looms is simply not worth the risk.

MORE: Cricket calendar 2026: Full schedule of major events and international matches in 2026

Mitch Marsh did not even make it to Pakistan, having picked up an ankle injury during the IPL. His absence meant fellow West Australian Josh Inglis was handed the captaincy for the three-match series.

Travis Head is another significant omission as he will join the squad only for the Bangladesh leg after his IPL commitments concluded in late May.

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Australian frailties laid bare in Rawalpindi​

On a low, slow Rawalpindi surface, Australia's batters were tied in knots by spin, and specifically by left-arm orthodox debutant Arafat Minhas, who dismissed four of their top five on the way to a stunning 5/32.

The concern is not that Australia struggled against quality spin in subcontinental conditions, but it is that they already knew the challenge coming and were still unable to respond.

Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, the two players considered central to Australia's batting across formats during the transition period, both failed to make an impact when the team needed experienced hands to steady the innings.

Teenager Ollie Peake received his first ODI cap in the opening match, and allrounder Liam Scott is expected to earn his in the second game at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on June 2.

The Cricket News Opinion: Australia are planning long-term​

The absence of Cummins, Head, Starc and Hazlewood shows Cricket Australia are planning long-term.

They have set their priorities, and the upcoming Test cycle is far more important than a bilateral series in Pakistan, 18 months away from the 2027 ODI World Cup.

What is harder to explain away is the form of Labuschagne and Green. Both are finding it difficult to cement their own positions right now, which is a concern that goes well beyond a subcontinental ODI series.

They are important members of the squad across two formats, and they need to find their footing as soon as possible.

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