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Australia Unleash Three Debutants in T20I Opener vs Pakistan; Head to Captain

Australia will field three debutants—Matthew Renshaw, Jack Edwards, and Mahli Beardman—in the first T20I against Pakistan in Lahore. Travis Head will captain the side as regular skipper Mitchell Marsh is rested after a late arrival. The series is crucial preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with none of the debutants currently in that tournament's squad. The action continues with the second and third T20Is on January 31 and February 1.

Key Points: Australia Name Three Debutants for Pakistan T20I Series Opener

  • Three T20I debutants named
  • Travis Head captains in Marsh's absence
  • Series serves as T20 World Cup 2026 prep
  • All matches at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium
2 min read

Australia name three debutants for T20I series opener against Pakistan; Travis Head to lead

Travis Head to lead Australia as Matthew Renshaw, Jack Edwards, and Mahli Beardman set for T20I debuts in series opener against Pakistan in Lahore.

"Travis Head will lead the Aussies, with designated captain Mitchell Marsh given a rest - cricket.com.au"

New Delhi, January 29

Australia are set to play three debutants in the first Pakistan vs Australia T20I of the three-match series, on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Mahli Beardman, Jack Edwards and Matthew Renshaw are set to earn their maiden T20I caps in the series opener.

Meanwhile, Travis Head will lead the Aussies, with designated captain Mitchell Marsh given a rest after arriving in Pakistan less than 48 hours ago, according to cricket.com.au.

The Pakistan vs Australia is set to serve as a crucial prep ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.

Australia's playing 11 against Pakistan in the T20I series opener:

Travis Head (c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman.

Notably, none of the three players set to mark their respective T20I debuts are in Australia's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

Renshaw is set to bat at number four after a standout season with the Brisbane Heat in th recently-concluded Big Bash League 2025-26 season. He has already featured in 14 Tests and three ODIs for Australia.

Sydney Sixers allrounder Edwards impressed throughout the BBL 15, emerging as one of the tournament's leading wicket-takers. His 19 wickets were the second-highest of the tournament, surpassed only by Melbourne Stars' Haris Rauf, who was not selected for the series.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old fast bowler Beardman earns his first senior international call-up following strong performances in Australia's Under-19 World Cup triumph two years ago. He continued his rise with the Perth Scorchers, claiming 13 wickets in 11 matches.

After the first Pakistan vs Australia T20I, the second match of the series is set to take place on January 31, with the third match set for February 1. All matches are going to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting strategy. Giving caps to players not in the WC squad seems a bit confusing for a "crucial prep" series. Shouldn't they be building the core team's chemistry? Hope it doesn't backfire. Best of luck to the new guys though!
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Aman W
Travis Head as captain! He's in phenomenal form. If he brings his World Cup final energy to leadership, Pakistan bowlers are in for a tough time. Can't wait for the matches to start. Hope the pitches in Lahore are good for batting.
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Sarah B
Jack Edwards taking 19 wickets in BBL is impressive! Surprised Haris Rauf isn't playing for Pakistan after being the top wicket-taker. Seems like both teams are experimenting. Makes the series more unpredictable and fun to watch from here in Delhi.
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Vikram M
As an Indian fan, I'm just happy to see competitive cricket happening. Pakistan-Australia series are always high-intensity. Good practice for both before the big tournament in our country. Hope the weather in Lahore holds up!
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Karthik V
Mahli Beardman is only 20! Australia's pipeline from U-19 to senior team is so strong. We need to learn from their system. Giving youngsters a chance in a tough away series builds character. Bold move by the Aussie selectors.

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