Australia-England face off again but most eyes are elsewhere

Shall we get back to regular programming? That is probably wishful thinking given the drama around Australian cricket since the publication of Usman Khawaja's autobiography. A few hours before the start of this ODI series Pat Cummins is due to speak to the media in Sydney where he will address, what he has termed, "the long list and full extent of Uzzy's allegations."

However, despite everything swirling around, this series should also be given some attention. It is another significant stepping stone towards the 2027 ODI World Cup for both sides (and, of course, you'll inevitably hear it asked what it means for next year's Ashes because it's never too early for that).

Australia, who were always set to be without the big three quicks for the series amid their huge Test workload, are still searching for some missing pieces to their ODI jigsaw puzzle, significantly who fills the holes left by the retirements of Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell.

England are also looking to gel together a 50-over side that has shown flashes of brilliance but have been on the wrong end of some remarkable results in the recent tri-series in Pakistan: they were unable to defend 429 against Sri Lanka, then saw Pakistan put on a final-wicket stand of 89 to steal a victory.

The visitors have been hit by two injury blows ahead of the series with Josh Tongue and, more significantly, Jacob Bethell ruled out. Bethell's continued absence means a big call on which batter is left out has been pushed further down the road.

While Australia's bowling is missing key names, the batting line-up will be at full strength with the top six, at least, appearing certainties for next year's World Cup. The order, however, remains up for conjecture and there may remain an element of flexibility around it. And that's what we are all talking about, right?

Form guide

Australia WLLWW(last five completed matches, most recent first)
England WLLLW

Mitchell Marsh was put through a grilling about 2018 on the eve of the game where he repeatedly said he wouldn't be sharing any details. Now he has to focus on leading Australia in his home state with the number of ODIs they have before the World Cup quickly shrinking. Marsh himself was in terrific form in South Africa with three consecutive bruising half-centuries and he forms a dynamic opening partnership with Travis Head.

Jofra Archer is having comfortably the busiest year of his international career with 27 appearances across formats so far which is an encouraging sign after so many injury challenges, but managing him will remain vital if he is to play at the key moments across the next 12 months. After being rested for the recent tri-series in Pakistan he warmed up with 3 for 34 against Western Australia. Last season's Ashes teased what he is capable of before being ended by injury after the Adelaide Test. The last time he faced Australia in an ODI he was taken for his most expensive figures in the format at the Champions Trophy in early 2025.

Marsh did not name an XI but did confirm that WA quick Mahli Beardman would make his ODI debut. He also indicated that the top six was close to being locked in for the World Cup although the order could change.

Australia: 1 Travis Head, 2 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 3 Cooper Connolly, 4 Matt Renshaw, 5 Josh Inglis (wk), 6 Cameron Green, 7 Jack Edwards, 8 Xavier Bartlett, 9 Spencer Johnson, 10 Mahli Beardman, 11 Adam Zampa

England's main decision would appear to be which of Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid makes the final XI. Rashid has lost his standing as the first-choice spinner in recent times although claimed 4 for 35 in the warm-up at the WACA. There is still a chance both could squeeze into the side.

England: 1 Ben Duckett, 2 Tom Banton, 3 Joe Root, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Jordan Cox (wk), 6 Sam Curran, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Jamie Overton, 9 Liam Dawson/Adil Rashid, 10 Gus Atkinson, 11 Jofra Archer

A fast and bouncy surface is expected which should provide a good contest between bat and ball. Both sides possess some pace in their attack; Archer could be particularly fun to watch. The forecast is for a warm, sunny day and evening

Stats and trivia

• Cameron Green needs nine runs for 1000 in ODIs; Ben Duckett needs 26 for 2000
• Australia have lost three of their four ODIs at Perth Stadium, but won the most recent
• England have scored 350+ in five of their last eight matches when batting first

"There's some great talent in this side. it's really exciting. We've got a young bowling attack, and we've got some real firepower. How we click is going to be really important."
Mitchell Marsh talks cricket

"I wasn't in that [Australian] dressing room. I think I was about 17 or 18 years old, so I was completely oblivious to any of that stuff.
Harry Brook on you know what