Australia will complete their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a three-match T20 international series in Pakistan, all scheduled to be played at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium starting January 29.
The Australian men’s cricket team will face Pakistan in a three-game T20 series, with all matches set to be played at Gaddafi Stadium. The matches will take place over four days on January 29, January 31 and February 1.
The tour coincides with the finals of Australia’s domestic T20 competition, the Big Bash League.
Mitchell Marsh to captain Australian side
Experienced batter Mitchell Marsh will captain the Australian squad for the series. He will be joined by key players Travis Head, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, all of whom recently featured in Australia’s Ashes series against England.
The series will serve as a crucial tune-up ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
A number of high-profile players will not travel to Pakistan, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Nathan Ellis.
Also Read: Pak vs Aus T20I series: Schedule announced from Jan 29
Cricket Australia said these players are either returning from injury or having their workloads managed. Cummins, Hazlewood and David are still building fitness following recent ailments.
New faces, depth players included
To provide cover, Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe and Matt Renshaw have been added to the squad.
Players still competing in the latter stages of the Big Bash League will join the national squad only after their respective franchise campaigns conclude.
Young fast bowler Mahli Beardman and emerging all-rounder Jack Edwards have earned call-ups following standout performances in the Big Bash League. Both players remain uncapped at international level, despite being part of Australia’s squad during the home series against India earlier this summer.
Their inclusion signals Australia’s intent to test promising talent ahead of the global tournament.
World Cup opportunity
Australia’s Chair of Selectors George Bailey said the Pakistan series presents a valuable chance for fringe and young players.
“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. He added that Beardman has spent time with the squad before, while Edwards joined the team for the final one-day international against India in Sydney last year.
Australia squad for Pakistan T20 series
Australia squad: Mitchell 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 Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
