Australia cricket team have named their 15-man squad for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, with some surprising omissions and key inclusions.
Mitchell Marsh at Helm
Mitchell Marsh has been officially appointed captain, having led the T20I side on an interim basis for the past year. The all-rounder is looking to guide Australia to their second T20 World Cup title.
Big names left out of ICC T20 World Cup
Veteran batsman Steve Smith, a mainstay in recent World Cups, has been left out for the first time in a decade. Young gun Jake Fraser-McGurk, who impressed in the IPL, also missed the cut.
Cameron Green and Ashton Agar earn recalls
Ashton Agar and Cameron Green are the surprise inclusions. The Western Australian pair haven’t played T20 internationals in nearly 18 months but offer valuable all-round skills.
Focus on Power Hitting
The selectors prioritized power hitters in the middle order, with the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David retaining their spots. Travis Head, another IPL star, provides a strong top-order option alongside David Warner and Marsh.
Spin Returns for Expected Turners
The expectation of turning pitches in the Caribbean has led to the recall of left-arm spinner Ashton Agar. Adam Zampa and the batting prowess of Glenn Maxwell provide further spin options.
Death Bowling Specialist Selected
Nathan Ellis was picked as the final pace option alongside the established trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.
The squad is expected to arrive in the Caribbean later this month and will be aiming to defend their T20 World Cup crown. There’s still time for changes, with teams able to modify their squads until May 25th.
Australia open their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman in Barbados on June 5, before Group B fixtures against England, Namibia and Scotland.
Australia T20 World Cup squad:
Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
