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Australia will look to seal the three-match ODI series when they take on Zimbabwe in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, September 18. The visitors made an impressive start to the series, defeating the hosts by 59 runs in the opening game after posting 294/8 and bowling Zimbabwe out for 235 in 45.1 overs.
Matt Renshaw was the standout performer for Australia in the first ODI, smashing his maiden ODI century as he scored 109 off 94 balls. Nathan Ellis then produced an outstanding spell of 5/31 to help Australia complete a comfortable victory.
However, Australia could make a couple of changes for the second game. Cameron Green missed the series opener with a sore shoulder, while Josh Hazlewood was rested as part of his workload management. Both players are in the 17-member squad and could return for the second ODI, although Australia’s management may continue to be cautious with its frontline players.
Travis Head is expected to retain his place at the top of the order. The left-hander brings an attacking approach to Australia’s powerplay and can put Zimbabwe’s bowlers under pressure from the outset. Head will be eager to convert his start into a substantial score after being dismissed cheaply in the first ODI.
Renshaw’s brilliant century should ensure that he remains in the XI. The left-hander walked in during a difficult phase in the opening game and produced a mature 109 to help Australia reach a competitive total. His innings also strengthened his case for a regular place in the ODI setup ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
With confidence high after his maiden ODI hundred, Renshaw could move back to the top order and partner Head.
Green could return to the playing XI after missing the first ODI because of a sore shoulder. His inclusion would give Australia another genuine all-round option while strengthening the middle order.
Green’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him particularly valuable in a series being used to assess Australia’s options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Mitchell Marsh is likely to continue leading the side. The Australian captain featured in his 100th ODI in the series opener and will be keen to make a significant contribution with the bat after being dismissed for a modest score.
Marsh’s experience at the top and his medium-pace bowling give Australia flexibility throughout the innings.
Josh Inglis should continue behind the stumps and occupy an important middle-order position. The wicketkeeper-batter has been identified as one of the players competing for a long-term role in Australia’s ODI side following the retirements of several senior batters.
His aggressive strokeplay makes him a dangerous option once the field restrictions disappear.
Alex Carey is expected to retain his place as Australia’s experienced left-handed middle-order batter. His ability to build an innings while accelerating late gives Australia stability around the middle and lower-middle order.
Carey also provides another wicketkeeping option, although Inglis is likely to continue with the gloves.
Ollie Peake could retain his place after featuring in the opening ODI. The youngster is one of the players Australia are keen to expose to international cricket ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The selectors have already indicated that Peake and Joel Davies are being given opportunities to continue their development.
His inclusion also provides useful batting depth.
Ellis was Australia’s match-winner with the ball in the first ODI and should keep his place. He claimed 5/31, including crucial wickets during Zimbabwe’s chase, and became the spearhead of Australia’s attack in the absence of several established quicks.
His variations and ability to bowl effectively at the death make him an important part of the attack.
Hazlewood was rested for the opening game, but he could return for the second ODI if Australia’s management believes he is ready. The veteran quick remains an important part of Australia’s plans for the upcoming World Cup.
His accuracy and ability to extract movement from the surface could make him particularly effective against Zimbabwe’s top order.
Adam Zampa should continue as Australia’s specialist spinner. The leg-spinner is closing in on a major milestone, having entered the series with 198 ODI wickets, just two short of becoming Australia’s seventh men’s bowler to reach 200.
His four overs through the middle phase can be crucial in restricting Zimbabwe’s scoring rate.
Xavier Bartlett could complete Australia’s bowling attack. The right-arm seamer offers movement with the new ball and provides another pace option alongside Ellis and Hazlewood.
With Spencer Johnson having played the first ODI, Australia could rotate their quicks depending on workload considerations. Bartlett remains part of the squad and is competing for a place in Australia’s future ODI pace group.
Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Ollie Peake, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Xavier Bartlett
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