Australia on June 16 (Wednesday) have confirmed a final 18-man squad for the white-ball tours of the Caribbean and Bangladesh, which will act as crucial preparation for Australia’s T20 side ahead of the World Cup in October and November.
Former skipper Steve Smith has withdrawn due to an elbow injury while the six others, according to a release from Cricket Australia, “requested not to be considered for the tour for various reasons”. The six cricketers include – Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson.
Jason Behrendorff, Moises Henriques, and Riley Meredith have all agreed to tour despite also being part of the IPL contingent that recently left hotel quarantine having returned home via the Maldives. The unavailability of first-choice players leave head coach Justin Langer in a difficult position, months ahead of the T20 World Cup.
“We are naturally disappointed not to have all players available for the Australian team at this time however the NSP (National Selection Panel) respects the decisions of those who have opted out of this tour,” head selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement.
“Steve Smith was unavailable for selection due to an elbow injury and will now be able to use this time to fully recover ahead of the World Cup and home Ashes series. Steve was disappointed to miss the tour with the decision made on medical grounds,” he added.
From the preliminary 29-man squad that was finalised last week, nine players have been omitted; the seven from the IPL including Smith, D’Arcy Short (who is currently in England playing T20 cricket for Hampshire) and WA allrounder Cameron Green.
Uncapped duo Tanveer Sangha and Nathan Ellis will both travel with the squad having been named as touring reserves.
Australia squad for West Indies and Bangladesh tour:
Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
Travelling reserves: Nathan Ellils, Tanveer Sangha.
