Australia won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe in the opening ODI of their three-match series on Tuesday, marking Australia’s first one-day international in Zimbabwe in 12 years.
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh is one of three players from either side who featured in the previous ODI between the teams in Zimbabwe, which the hosts won in 2014. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor are the other two players who were part of that memorable victory.
Australia made two notable changes to its lineup. Cameron Green was left out of the playing XI due to shoulder soreness, while Josh Hazlewood was also rested.
The visitors went with three pace bowlers — Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson — for the series opener.
Marsh, who is playing his 100th ODI, said the pitch looked good for batting in a day game. Raza said Zimbabwe would have chosen to field had he won the toss.
The series is part of Australia’s preparations for next year’s World Cup. However, regular captain Pat Cummins was rested for the three ODIs against Zimbabwe before joining the squad in South Africa for three more ODIs and a series of Test matches.