T20 World Cup: Aaron Finch to lead, Inglis named in Australia's T20 squad

T20 World Cup – Australia T20 WC Squad: As expected Aaron Finch has been named to lead Australia in T20 World Cup in UAE. Pat Cummins has been named deputy for Finch. Josh Inglis could make his international debut in the upcoming T20 World Cup after the wicketkeeper-batsman was a shock selection in Australia’s 15-man squad.

T20 World Cup 2021: Format, Number of teams, Qualifiers, Rules – Explained

T20 World Cup: Aaron Finch to lead, Pat Cummins named deputy, Inglis only newcomer named in Australia’s T20 WC squad

Australia T20 WC Squad: Steve Smith, David Warner & Glenn Maxwell are among the big-name stars returning to the squad as Aaron Finch’s men look to capture a maiden T20 title in the United Arab Emirates in October-November.

Australia’s T20 World Cup squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserves: Dan Christian, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams

Fast bowler Andrew Tye along with top-order options Alex Carey, Moises Henriques, Josh Philippe and Ashton Turner are the most notable omissions after Australia slumped to their fifth consecutive T20I series defeat against Bangladesh earlier this month.

Australia T20 WC Squad: Inglis has leapfrogged Carey and Philippe to win a spot as the back-up gloveman to Matthew Wade.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2021 Schedule Announced: India vs Pakistan on Oct 24, Dubai to host Final

The Perth Scorchers star was the leading run scorer in England’s domestic T20 competition, cracking 531 runs from 14 games at a strike rate of 175.82 with Leicestershire.

“Josh has been on our radar for some time with his performances in white ball cricket and more recently in the Vitality Blast where he topped the run charts,” selection chair George Bailey said.

“He offers the squad flexibility in the batting order with his adaptability, counterattacking ability and power striking. He is a player we are excited about for the future.”

The Aussies have also named death bowling specialist Nathan Ellis along with allrounders Dan Christian and Daniel Sams as travelling reserves for the showpiece event.

“We’re throwing a bit of faith in the franchises that they will pick our players so they are getting those games, and bat and bowl them in the exact roles that we’d like them to for the Australian team, that would be also great. But I’m not sure we’ll get any say in that,” he added with wry humour.

Also Read: T20 World Cup: Dinesh Karthik predicts Eoin Morgan-led England to win T20 WC

Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup schedule

Oct 23 v South Africa in Abu Dhabi (2pm local time, 9pm AEDT)

Oct v Qualifier A1 in Dubai (6pm local time, 1am Oct 29 AEDT)

Oct 30 v England in Dubai (6pm local time, 1am Oct 31 AEDT)

Nov 4 v Qualifier B2 in Dubai (2pm local time, 9pm AEDT)

Nov 6 v West Indies in Abu Dhabi (2pm local time, 9pm AEDT)

2021 T20 World Cup groups

Round 1

Group A: Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Namibia

Group B: Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, Oman

Super 12s