Australia are likely to face South Africa in the 2027 ODI World Cup but will only have three players from the 2023 final in the squad. Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Marnus Labuschagne are the only ones young enough or not overburdened to be considered. Australia’s win in the World Cup final was a surprise for an aging squad, turning a good year into a great one. However, the loss in India was a blemish in a year of triumphs. It is hard to argue that they have been as dominant as teams of the past. The 2023 Aussie squad focused more on ending their Test hoodoo in India, winning the five-day world crown, and retaining possession of the Ashes. Captain Pat Cummins showed he could lead the team to victory despite limited preparation, suggesting he may stick around for longer. However, it is important for him to scale back his heavy burden. Players like Warner and Smith may not be around for the 2027 World Cup, leading to a succession plan to be adopted in the near future. Some players, such as Marcus Stoinis and Sean Abbott, may need to focus on T20 franchise cricket. Other younger prospects need to be given sufficient time to find their feet at the international level. It is important for Cricket Australia to have a plan for refreshing the side with younger talent. Despite speculation that one-day cricket is dying, the recent World Cup triumph has shown that it still holds significant meaning. India losing the final is a boon for the future of the ODI format, as they are less likely to abandon their investment in the 50-over game.
