Big guns return: Australia name 16-player squad for India ODI series
Selectors announced a strong 16-player squad for the series on Thursday, with all-rounders Glenn Maxwell (broken leg) and Mitch Marsh (ankle) set to be joined by pacer Jhye Richardson (hamstring) in a small group slated to make their international return during the series.
Pat Cummins will lead Australia during the three matches, while experienced batters David Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are also expected to feature.
Australia v Afghanistan: Mitchell Marsh goes on the attack, hitting three boundaries in an over.
The series will provide Australia some excellent practice ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup that is scheduled to take place in India later this year, according to chief selector George Bailey.
"With the World Cup just over seven months away, these matches in India are an important step in our preparation," Bailey said.
"Glenn, Mitchell and Jhye are all important players in what we think the squad might look like come October."
Experienced seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the tour, with the right-armer still battling the Achilles injury that forced him out of the ongoing Test tour of India.
"It would be great for Josh to be part of this series but we have taken a conservative view ahead of a very important winter in England of which he will be an integral part,” Bailey said.
The first ODI between Australia and India is in Mumbai on March 17, before the remaining two games in Vizag (March 19) and Chennai (March 22).
Australia ODI squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa