Australia announce squad for T20I series against Pakistan; interim captain in Marsh's absence to be named soon
Australia have named a 13-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on November 14. The series kick-starts the Aussies' home season, including a five-match Test series against India.
With the limited-overs series against Pakistan set to end just a couple of days before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Test players are not in the mix. This includes T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh and other high-profile players like Pat Cummins and Travis Head.
The Australian squad features the return of some players after an injury-ravaged England tour. Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis have all been named. However, fellow speedster Riley Meredith was not considered despite recovering from his injury to play in the Sheffield Shield recently.
"It is particularly encouraging to have Xavier, Spencer and Nathan back in the national setup. It’s another opportunity for them to continue to show their ability on the international stage, as they have done in the past," chief selector George Bailey told cricket.com.au.
Australia are looking for a stand-in captain in Marsh's absence, and several senior candidates, including Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, and Matt Short, are reportedly being considered for the role.
Andre Borovec will oversee the preparations and proceedings during the home series. Head coach Andrew McDonald and assistant coaches Michael di Venuto and Daniel Vettori will be involved in the build-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia faced a similar situation after a five-match T20I series against India was scheduled just after their 2023 ODI World Cup triumph. Borovec will be assisted by former Australia batter Brad Hodge and former New Zealand pacer Hamish Bennett during the Pakistan series.
Australia's squad for the T20I series against Pakistan
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, Adam Zampa
Australia are yet to lose a T20 against Pakistan at home
Australia have played four T20Is at home against Pakistan, recording three wins while the remaining match was called off due to rain. The Men in Green last played a T20I in Australia during the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they made it to the finals.
A new-look squad led by new skipper Mohammed Rizwan was announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The wicketkeeper-batter takes over the leadership duties from Babar Azam following the latter's resignation from the role.
Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart are assigned to host the three T20Is on November 14, 16, and 18 respectively.