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Australia Names 17-Man T20 Squad for Pakistan Series, World Cup Prep

Australia has selected a 17-member squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series in Pakistan, with Mitch Marsh named as captain. The squad sees the inclusion of young talents Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards following strong BBL performances, while established stars like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell are rested. National selector George Bailey emphasized the series as a key opportunity for players on the fringe to gain experience alongside the World Cup group. The series serves as crucial preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Key Points: Australia T20 Squad for Pakistan Series Announced

  • Mitch Marsh to lead squad
  • Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood rested
  • Youngsters Beardman, Edwards called up
  • Series prep for T20 World Cup
  • Three matches in Lahore
2 min read

Australia name 17-member squad for T20I series against Pakistan

Australia names 17-player T20 squad for Pakistan series. Mitch Marsh to captain. Key players rested for T20 World Cup workload management.

"The series is a great opportunity for those on the brink of selection and some young players we rate highly (to gain) valuable experience - George Bailey"

Sydney, January 19

Australia on Monday announced a 17-member squad for their three-match T20I series against Pakistan, scheduled to be played in Lahore later this month, as part of their preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Injured trio Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David have been given extra time to build up their fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup, as they have not added to the squad, while Mitch Marsh is set to lead the side, as per the cricket.au website.

Australia will play three T20Is against Pakistan from January 29 to February 1 in Lahore. The team will begin its T20 World Cup campaign on February 11 against Ireland in Colombo.

Perth Scorchers speedster Mahli Beardman and Sydney Sixers young gun Jack Edwards are drafted into the squad. Beardman and Edwards have been named in the squad following their impressive Big Bash League (BBL) campaigns for Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, respectively.

Edwards has taken the most wickets for his team in their ongoing BBL campaign, with his 15 at 18.33, while Beardman has also impressed with eight wickets to help the Scorchers top the standings.

Beardman and Edwards are uncapped at the international level but were both part of Australia's white-ball squads at times during India's tour last year.

Ten of Australia's T20 World Cup players are part of the Pakistan tour. Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and seamer Nathan Ellis are also rested for the tour to help manage their workloads ahead of the World Cup.

Alongside Beardman and Edwards, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Owen, Josh Phillippe and Matt Renshaw are also added to the 17-player squad.

"The series is a great opportunity for those on the brink of selection and some young players we rate highly (to gain) valuable experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan," selection chair George Bailey said.

"Some are already experienced international players, along with Mahli Beardma,n who has been with the group a number of times and Jack Edwards, who joined for the last one-day match against India in Sydney last year," he added.

Australia T20I squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stonis, Adam Zampa.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Interesting to see so many new faces. Jack Edwards and Mahli Beardman have been brilliant in the BBL. This series is more important for Australia's bench strength than the result. Pakistan at home is never easy, even for a second-string side.
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Aman W
As an Indian fan, I'm just happy the T20 World Cup is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka! 🇮🇳 This Australia-Pakistan series is a good warm-up, but the real action begins in February. Our team needs to finalize its own squad soon.
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Sarah B
Respectfully, I think resting your best players right before a major tournament can be a double-edged sword. Match practice and team chemistry are crucial. Hope this experimentation doesn't backfire for them in the World Cup.
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Vikram M
Good to see Cameron Green and Travis Head in the squad. They play a lot in the IPL, so we know their game well. Pakistan's bowling attack will be a proper test for these young Aussie batters. Should be a cracking series!
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Kriti O
Mitch Marsh as captain makes sense. He's experienced and in good form. But honestly, my focus is on our Indian team's preparation! Let the others experiment, we need to be fully settled and ready to lift the trophy at home 🏆

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