In preparation for a demanding Test series against India, Australia has chosen to rest its Test players for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.
Recent T20I leaders Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, along with skipper Pat Cummins, will not be part of the Pakistan series squad. This absence opens up the T20I captaincy to new candidates, with Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis being considered as potential leaders.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey mentioned that the final captain would be selected closer to the series start. He commented, “There are several players who can lead the team, with some possessing prior captaincy experience. We’ll finalize the decision soon.”
Returning to the team after recovering from injuries are Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson. While Johnson has already returned to domestic cricket, Bartlett and Ellis are expected to be fully fit by the time the series begins, scheduled from November 14 to 18.
This T20I roster largely mirrors the team that toured the UK, with Maxwell making his return. Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk are expected to take on opening duties, both having shown promising performances in recent games.
The tight scheduling of the T20I and Test series influenced the decision to rest Test players, with the Test squad arriving in Perth just as the T20 series is concluding. Bailey emphasized the importance of focusing on Test preparation, saying, “We’re prioritizing Test summer preparations, aiming to keep players fresh and ready.”
Despite the emphasis on Test series readiness, Bailey noted that select T20I players might be called up to the Test squad in case of injuries. “It’s crucial to be prepared in case a replacement is needed,” he explained. “We have contingency plans for such cases.”
Josh Inglis, known for his dynamic reverse-hitting skills, is also under consideration for a leadership role. Recently, New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd even mentioned him as a possible option for Australia’s Test opening spot.
However, Bailey clarified that Inglis wouldn’t be playing at the top of the Test order anytime soon. “Not in the immediate future… placing him in the top order isn’t something we’re considering at the moment,” Bailey shared. “Nonetheless, his form has been outstanding.”
The T20I series will see a revised coaching setup. With Andrew McDonald, Michael Di Venuto, and Daniel Vettori focusing on Test preparations in Perth, assistant coach Andre Borovec will assume the role of head coach. Borovec previously took on this responsibility during the T20I series against India last October. Former batter Brad Hodge joins as an assistant coach, along with Matthew Wade, who captained the team earlier this year and now contributes in a coaching capacity.
Australia’s T20I Squad for Pakistan Series
The lineup for Australia’s T20I matches against Pakistan includes: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
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