Australia has announced a 13-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting on November 14. This series marks the beginning of the Aussies’ home season, which also includes a five-match Test series against India.
Since the T20I series concludes just days before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Test players like T20I captain Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Travis Head are not included.
The squad sees the return of some players after an injury-plagued tour in England, with Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis named. However, Riley Meredith was not selected despite recently returning to play in the Sheffield Shield.
“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 is seeking a stand-in captain in Marsh’s absence, with senior players like Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, and Matt Short reportedly under consideration.
Andre Borovec will manage preparations and activities during the home series, with head coach Andrew McDonald and assistants Michael di Venuto and Daniel Vettori involved in the lead-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
This situation is reminiscent of when Australia faced a similar scenario after their 2023 ODI World Cup win, just before a five-match T20I series against India. Borovec will be supported by former Australia player Brad Hodge and ex-New Zealand pacer Hamish Bennett during the Pakistan series.
Australia’s T20I squad for the series against Pakistan
Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Cooper Connolly, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia has never lost a T20I against Pakistan at home
In four T20Is played at home against Pakistan, Australia has won three, with one match abandoned due to rain. The last T20I the Men in Green played in Australia was during the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they reached the finals.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revamped squad led by new captain Mohammed Rizwan, who takes over from Babar Azam following his resignation. Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart will host the three T20Is on November 14, 16, and 18, respectively.
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