Australia ODIs: The Next-Best XI

We're just five days into December but already it's been a summer of change for Australia.

The third Test against South Africa saw no fewer than three debutants earn Baggy Greens, while for the ODI team, young Redbacks skipper Travis Head scored his maiden international half-century in the VB Series opener against the Black Caps on Sunday.

Quick Single: Head hunting Kiwis for capital punishment

Head's inclusion wasn't new per se; the left-hander has been in Australia's ODI side since June, but it was his first appearance in national colours on home soil and, more significantly, his inclusion continued to keep Glenn Maxwell on the periphery.

And with Maxwell not an incumbent in the national side, we've poached him to be part of our 'Next-Best XI'.

With so many talented players strutting their stuff around the country, we've looked at a selection of the best from those who aren't currently in Steve Smith's side. 

With a hectic ODI schedule coming up over the next two-and-a-half years, incorporating next years Champions Trophy and all the way through to the 2019 World Cup, there are a few names here you might be seeing more frequently on the biggest stage, as well as a few older, more experienced heads. 

This is a concept team, based on the assumption that all players are fit and ready to play.

1. Shaun Marsh (WA)

Marsh is a proven performer at ODI level and continues to keep the likes of incumbent opener Aaron Finch on his toes. At 33, the majority of his cricket is behind him but he remains a match-winner with all the shots and a sound knowledge of his own game after so long on the first-class scene.

2. Usman Khawaja (Qld)

Like Marsh, Khawaja has done the business at the top level though he'll be keen to improve on what's an average ODI record from 15 matches to date. The left-hander has been ultra-consistent in the domestic 50-over tournament over the past few years, lit up the BBL last summer and is currently at the peak of his powers - he's a must for this team. 

3. Kurtis Patterson (NSW)

Patterson's match-winning 77no in the Matador Cup gets him the nod ahead of the likes of Callum Ferguson and Blues teammate Nic Maddinson. Composed and classy, the left-hander seems mentally and technically ready to make the next step.

4. Peter Handscomb (Vic, wk)

Picked to make his Test debut last month after captaining Australia A and making big runs for Victoria, Handscomb has the versatility in his game to excel in all three formats. The 25-year-old is yet to make a century from 46 List A innings but his best batting in the format is certainly in front of him. As a bonus, he takes the gloves to add some balance to this side.  

5. Glenn Maxwell (Vic)

A middle-order dynamo who lit up the ODI World Cup in 2015, Maxwell has done the business for the national side in the past, though a lean run ultimately cost him his place. The 28-year-old can't be far away from another opportunity and if he isn't in the country's best ODI XI, he's certainly in the 'Next-Best XI', particularly given the extra strings to his bow in the form of gun fielding and handy off-breaks.

6. Cameron White (Vic, capt)

Just one of his 88 ODI appearances has come in the past five years but that hasn't stopped Cameron White churning out the runs for Victoria, particularly in the 50-over format. A powerful hitter with a shrewd tactical brain, the 33-year-old slots into the middle-order neatly here and takes the captain's reins as well.

7. James Faulkner (Tas)

Vying with Mitch Marsh for the allrounder's place in the ODI side, and occasionally playing alongside him, Faulkner has been the 'Finisher' with bat and ball at various times for Australia over the past three years. Currently in Steve Smith's 13-man squad but awaiting his next chance in the XI, we'll welcome the big-hitting, death-bowling limited-overs star into this team with open arms.

8. John Hastings (Vic)

Desperately unlucky to have been overlooked for the current ODI series against New Zealand, Hastings has done a superb job for Australia with the ball – and occasionally with the bat – in recent times. A whole-hearted performer with a penchant for making key breakthroughs, the right-armer has 29 ODI wickets this year – a figure bettered by only Adam Zampa worldwide.

9. James Pattinson (Vic)

The James Pattinson story has been a frustrating one – for no-one more than the man himself – but there's little doubt that when he's fit and firing, he's one of Australia's most lethal quicks. Fast, fiery and with a searing outswinger, the right-arm quick isn't done yet in green and gold, but for now he'll have to bide his time in our team.

10. Nathan Lyon (NSW)

Nathan Lyon stole the show in the Matador Cup final in October with the quite incredible figures of 4-10 from 10 overs to restate his case for ODI consideration, however the rise to prominence of Zampa in 2016 has limited his opportunities. His record of 17 wickets in 13 ODIs at 4.93 runs per over tends to suggest he can switch formats with more aptitude than he's given credit for, so we're prepared to back him in as our chief spinner, with Maxwell in support.   

11. Scott Boland (Vic)

Boland was outstanding in the KFC Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars last summer and it was that platform that catapulted him into the ODI team, in which he's spent 14 matches in 2016. His figures (16 wickets at 45, 6.03 RPO) are modest but the Bushrangers quick remains a quality death bowler who, at 27, still has time to make another splash on the international stage. 

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