Babar’s Return Babar Azam back in Pakistan’s T20I squad for 3-match series vs Australia in Lahore. Context: Recalled after forgettable BBL stint: 202 runs in 11 innings, SR 103 for Sydney Sixers Left Sixers before eliminator due to national duty Missed Pakistan’s last series vs Sri Lanka because of BBL Shaheen Afridi also returns, Haris Rauf dropped. Australia have 15 ODIs scheduled through the remainder of this year, six of which will be played in Pakistan and Bangladesh over the next two weeks. While games in subcontinental conditions won't have much relevance to southern Africa, especially given the stifling Pakistan heat at this time of the year, the opportunities to trial combinations are precious. Pakistan have some recent ODI cricket to work off. But after losing a three-match series in Bangladesh in March they have made a number of changes that are very much on-brand. Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan return, with the latter having not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup. The uncapped trio of wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir, left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, and fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal have also been included in the squad. Australia Understrength, Eye on 2027 Australia fielded a weakened side: Missing 5 World Cup players, rested captain Mitchell Marsh. Handed debuts to Matt Renshaw, Jack Edwards, Mahli Beardman Stand-in captain: Travis Head Why: Part of Australia’s long-term planning for 2027 ODI World Cup. Cricket Australia flagged 2026-27 as a “heavy year” with IPL, WTC final, Ashes, and World Cup in 14 months. Plan to split white-ball and Test stocks, manage workload. Travis Head, Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis were left out of the Pakistan leg because of their IPL involvement, even though their respective teams have since been knocked out. Mitchell Marsh has succumbed to an ankle injury while Cooper Connolly was initially left out of the Pakistan series due to Punjab Kings anticipated IPL playoff tilt but will fly to Pakistan on Saturday as Marsh's replacement with the aim of being available for the final two ODIs. Pakistan’s final T20I prep before T20 World Cup 2026 in India/Sri Lanka. Babar under spotlight: Ponting, Shastri say he’s lost power/timing, suggest moving him to No.3 for T20. It is set to be a fraction cooler on Saturday compared to the oppressive heat that has featured this week in Rawalpindi and there are thunderstorms forecast in the area. The games are starting at 4.30pm local time to avoid the worst of the heat but it will mean dew will be a huge factor in the second half of the game. The toss could be vital. Bottom line: Babar returns for Pakistan after BBL flop, while Australia use the series to blood new players with 2027 World Cup planning already underway.