Australia has announced a 16-player squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series in the West Indies next month, featuring a blend of fresh faces and returning stars. Travis Head, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc have been rested, paving the way for uncapped players Mitchell Owen and Matt Kuhnemann to earn their first T20I call-ups.
All-rounder Cameron Green and young gun Cooper Connolly make their return to the squad after recovering from injuries, while pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is also back after sitting out the recent T20I series against Pakistan. Green, however, will feature purely as a batter, as he has not yet regained bowling fitness.
Mitchell Owen’s inclusion as a top-order option means Jake Fraser-McGurk misses out following a lean run with the bat. Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett have also been omitted but remain in contention for selection in future series.
Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey spoke about the selection decisions, saying, “We have a packed T20 calendar ahead with this series, followed by matches against South Africa, New Zealand, and then five T20Is against India at home. It’s all part of our preparation to shape the ideal squad for the World Cup in the subcontinent.”
He added, “There are still several players outside this squad who can stake their claim, especially during the India series and through the Big Bash League. We’re building good depth, developing roles, and exploring different combinations. It’s an exciting phase for our T20 side.”
Mitchell Marsh will continue to captain the side but, like Green, won’t be bowling. As a result, Aaron Hardie has been included as seam-bowling all-rounder in order to provide balance to the squad.
Australia T20I Squad for WI Tour:
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
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