Australia has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on January 29 in Lahore. The team management has opted to rest several key players as part of a cautious approach ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup.
Senior Players Rested
Pat Cummins, recovering from a lower back injury, will not participate in the Pakistan series and is expected to join the World Cup squad a few games into the tournament. Cummins had returned during the third Ashes Test but missed subsequent matches against England. Similarly, fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, and batter Tim David have been rested for the series.
Hazlewood is managing hamstring and Achilles issues, while Tim David has been recovering from a hamstring strain with a minor setback reported last week. Both players are anticipated to be ready for the World Cup, which runs from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka.
Opportunities for Emerging Players
The 17-man squad includes fast bowler Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards, who could make their international debuts during the Pakistan series. Selectors view the series as a valuable opportunity for players on the cusp of selection to gain experience alongside the World Cup group.
Australia Squad for Pakistan T20Is
- Mitchell Marsh (captain)
- 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
- Matthew Short
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
