The much-awaited white-ball series between Australia and Pakistan is all set to kick off from the first ODI between these two teams which is scheduled to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Monday, 4th November. The Australian team has announced their playing XI for the first ODI match. Australian captain Pat Cummins is ready to mark his comeback in the 50-over format, taking charge of the national team for the opening ODI. This match will be Cummins' first appearance in an ODI since Australia’s triumphant 2023 World Cup campaign. Also Read: “This is worse than 36 and 46 all out” - Sanjay Manjrekar Slams Team India For Mumbai Test Batting Collapse Australia's three-match ODI series serves as the last set of preparation games ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Several key players, including Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, are unavailable due to paternity leave, and Cameron Green is out with an injury. In addition, Cummins has announced that star opener Jake Fraser-McGurk will join Matthew Short at the top of the batting order. Aaron Hardie’s impressive form in the recent England tour has secured his spot in the playing XI, with a potential promotion up the batting order. Meanwhile, Australians will miss the services of their premier bowler Josh Hazlewood for their opening match against Pakistan. For Pakistan, this series marks their return to ODI cricket after almost a year away from the format, with their last appearance being in the World Cup. The Men in Green are now led by their new white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and interim head coach Jason Gillespie, who was appointed after Gary Kirsten’s resignation. The series holds significance for both teams, as they look to sharpen their skills and build momentum in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be hosted in Pakistan. Australia Playing XI for first ODI vs Pakistan Mattew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.