Australia has opted to rest all its Test players for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, focusing on preparations for the challenging Test series against India.
Key T20I players, including captains Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, as well as Pat Cummins, will not participate in the series. Selectors are now considering a new captain for the T20 team, with candidates like Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis in contention.
George Bailey, the chairman of selectors, indicated that the final decision on the captaincy will be made closer to the series start. “There are several players capable of captaining, some with previous experience,” Bailey stated.
Returning from injury are Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson, who all missed the previous tour of the UK. Johnson has already resumed playing in domestic cricket, while Bartlett and Ellis are expected to be fit for the three-match series scheduled from November 14 to 18.
The T20I squad closely resembles the group that traveled to the UK, with Maxwell returning after a break. Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk are poised to open the batting, having demonstrated strong form in recent games.
The close timing of the T20I and Test series influenced the decision to rest Test players, as the Test squad will arrive in Perth just before the conclusion of the T20 series. “The Test squad will be in Perth finalizing their preparation around the time of the second T20. We’ve prioritized individual preparations for the Test summer,” Bailey explained, emphasizing the need to avoid complications from switching players between formats on short notice.
Bailey did leave the possibility open for some T20I players to join the Test squad if injuries occur. “We need to cover our bases in case of unforeseen injuries. If the situation changes, we can bring someone to Perth, and their preparation would adjust accordingly,” he said.
Josh Inglis, noted for his effective reverse hitting, is also being considered as a potential leader for the T20 team. Recently, New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd suggested him as a candidate for Australia’s Test opener position. However, Bailey clarified that Inglis will not be considered for the top order at this time. “Not in the short term… we’re not looking to place him at the top of the order, but his current form is undeniably impressive.”
The coaching staff for the T20I series will also see changes, with Andrew McDonald, Michael Di Venuto, and Daniel Vettori concentrating on Test preparations in Perth. Assistant coach Andre Borovec will take on the head coach role for the T20I series, a position he previously held during last October’s series against India. Former player Brad Hodge will join as an assistant coach, along with Matthew Wade, who captained the T20 side in February and will now serve in a coaching capacity.
The Australian T20I squad for the Pakistan series includes: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
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