Melbourne, Nov. 28 -- Australia will play a three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe next year as part of their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. According to a News Corp report cited by ESPNcricinfo, the reigning ODI champions will take on Zimbabwe before facing South Africa in an ODI series scheduled for September-October 2026.

The series is expected to take place in Harare and possibly Bulawayo. Zimbabwe Cricket had lobbied for a one-off Test to be added as a highlight of Australia's tour. However, that proposal has been dropped, with Australia facing an extremely demanding Test schedule--at least 19 matches from mid-2026 through to the 2027 Ashes. An ODI series is also seen as valuable preparation for Australia, given that Zimb...