Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green Dropped? Australia Playing 11 for 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe

Australia picked a surprising playing 11 for the first ODI against Zimbabwe when they left out Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green. Both these players are key to the Australia cricket team across formats and their exclusion wasn't expected.

Skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a good wicket according to him. During the toss, he announced that Hazlewood and Green are not playing this match.

Why Josh Hazlewood is Not Playing Today?

Marsh revealed at the toss that Josh Hazlewood is being managed as he is coming from an injury. His last international, a Test match, was in August 2026, against Bangladesh at MacKay.

Coming to white-ball cricket, Hazlewood last played an ODI in October last year, against India. His last T20I match also came in the same month against the similar opposition. Due to his recent injury concerns, the Australian team management is cautious of bringing him into the field of play. He is arguably one of the best bowlers in the world and will be key in the next year's ODI World Cup.

For the fans who are wondering why Cameron Green is not playing today, we have some news. Green has shoulder soreness, which ruled him out of the ZIM vs AUS 1st ODI. The all-rounder will continue to be monitored, which will determine his place in the next matches.

What is Australia's Playing XI For 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe?

Despite the absence of two world-class players, AUS playing 11 for 1st ODI vs ZIM looks strong. They have Marsh and Travis Head at the top order, who are amongst the most dangerous batsmen in the world.

The middle order has the likes of Josh Inglis, Matt Renshaw and Oliver Peake. It looks inexperienced but can be devastating on their day. However, they face a rejuvenated Zimbabwe team, who have been excellent this year, especially in their home conditions.

Australia's bowling line-up consists of three specialist quicks and one spinner in the form of Adam Zampa. Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson is making his comeback into the ODI team.