News Sports Cricket Steven Smith named as captain of new-look Australia ODI squad

Steven Smith named as captain of new-look Australia ODI squad

Melbourne, Australia: Steven Smith has been confirmed as Australia's captain, replacing Michael Clarke in the one-day squad named to play England and Ireland from later this month.Three players in the 15-man squad named Wednesday are

steven smith named as captain of new look australia odi squad steven smith named as captain of new look australia odi squad

Melbourne, Australia: Steven Smith has been confirmed as Australia's captain, replacing Michael Clarke in the one-day squad named to play England and Ireland from later this month.

Three players in the 15-man squad named Wednesday are set to make their ODI debuts: allrounder Marcus Stoinis, former test spinner Ashton Agar and batsman Joe Burns join the one-day lineup for the first time.

Burns is expected to replace injured opener Aaron Finch, while Agar is included at the expense of Nathan Lyon and plays England for the first time since a memorable test debut in the 2013 Ashes series.

Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood are being rested after the test series, and James Faulkner is serving a four-match suspension from international cricket after a drink-driving offence.

Matthew Wade retains the wicketkeeping spot inherited from Brad Haddin, while George Bailey rejoins the middle order after relinquishing his spot to Clarke during this year's World Cup.

Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said Agar, Burns and Stoinis impressed with Australia A.

"Ashton has performed very well with the ball since his return from shoulder surgery including taking five wickets in the recent Australia A game in India," he said.

"Joe (Burns) has impressed us immensely over in India with Australia A. He is a very capable young batsman who has experience opening, and we think he will grab his opportunity with the white ball during this series."

Australia plays Ireland in a one-off ODI in Belfast on Aug. 27 before a five-match series against England starting Sept. 3. The squad will play a lone T20 against England on Aug. 31.

Australia squad: Steven Smith (captain), Ashton Agar, George Bailey, Joe Burns, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Shane Watson, David Warner, Cameron Boyce (T20 only).