- Mitchell Marsh to captain 17-member squad in Lahore
- Series part of final build-up to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
- Young guns rewarded after standout Big Bash campaigns
Australia have unveiled a strong 17-player squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, a key assignment in their final preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. All three matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore across four days, beginning on January 29.
Experienced allrounder Mitchell Marsh will lead the side, with several Ashes regulars including Travis Head, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis named in the touring party. The series comes at a busy time for Australian cricket, overlapping with the Big Bash League (BBL) finals, with players still involved in the BBL set to join the squad once their franchise commitments end.
A number of established T20 stars will be absent, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Nathan Ellis all omitted due to injury recovery or workload management. Cummins, Hazlewood and David are continuing to build fitness, with selectors opting for caution ahead of the global tournament.
Their absence has opened the door for several domestic performers, with Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe and Matt Renshaw included as cover. In particular, Beardman and Edwards have been rewarded for impressive Big Bash campaigns, earning their first international call-ups after consistently strong performances.
Australia’s Chair of Selectors George Bailey highlighted the importance of the tour in assessing depth ahead of the World Cup.
“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,” Bailey said.
“Mahli Beardman has been with the group a number of times, and Jack Edwards joined the squad for the final ODI against India last year.”
The Lahore series, scheduled for January 29, January 31 and February 1, will provide Australia with vital match practice in subcontinental conditions, while also offering emerging players a chance to stake a late claim for World Cup selection.
With a blend of established match-winners and rising talent, Australia will view the Pakistan tour as a crucial step in fine-tuning combinations, and reinforcing their credentials as one of the teams to beat at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Australia 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
