Australia has announced their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, which is starting from 19th September in the UAE and Oman. Big names with the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins are back in the squad after missing the West Indies and Bangladesh tour. Josh Inglis was the only uncapped player picked in the squad.
In the bowling department, Pat Cummins joins the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Kane Richardson who will feature alongside spinners Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar, and Mitchell Swepson.
Alex Carey who was the captain of the side on the West Indies tour was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad. Carey had a horrible last few tours with the bat. He scored just 57 runs in eight innings at an average of 8.14. Josh Philippe, who was named Player of the BBL last summer, also failed to make it to the final squad. Fast bowlers Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, and Jason Behrendorff also failed to impress the selectors. Moises Henriques and Ashton Turner have also been axed from the national T20 side.
Nathan Ellis, who took a hat-trick on his international debut against Bangladesh has been added as a reserve. Daniel Christian was added for his ‘finishing’ skills, although he hasn’t been in great form in the last few series. Except for one notable performance, where he smashed five sixes against Shakib Al Hasan and helped Australia to win the lone game of the series against Bangladesh. All-rounder Daniel Sams who was in good form in the BBL will also be traveling as a reserve.
Uncapped Josh Inglis receives maiden call-up
The Perth Scorchers star, Jos Inglis had a breakthrough summer with the bat. He scored 413 runs in 16 innings to help the Perth Scorchers reach the Big Bash League final. Inglis was also the leading run-scorer in Vitality Blast. He smashed 531 runs from 14 games at a cracking 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. 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,” said Chairman of selectors George Bailey
Australia’s T20 World Cup schedule
Australia will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against South Africa on October 23 in Abu Dhabi. They will next face Qualifier A1, followed by England (on October 30), and then another qualifying team. They will play their last group game against the two-time Champions West Indies (on November 6). The Australian squad will depart for the T20 World Cup in late September or early October. Australia has dominated in the 50-over World cup, winning the title five times. But they’ve never won the World T20 title. So, they’ll be looking to bring the first T20 cup home after 14 years since the inaugural of the T20 World Cup.
“We are confident this squad has the ability to take the side deep into what will be an extremely competitive tournament. We have some of the best players in the world in their respective roles combined with the collective experience to succeed against the very best T20 sides in the world,” said Bailey
Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2021
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.
Reserves: Dan Christian, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams