Australia T20 squad for Pakistan announced; captain to be revealed soon

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a 13-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series at home against Pakistan. The Australia team will have a new captain in the absence of regular captain Mitchell Marsh, who was rested from the T20Is as the series concludes just before the BGT 2024-25.

Australia is set to begin its home season with a three-match ODI series against Pakistan. They will then play three T20I matches against the same opponent, starting on November 14. Key Test players, including Pat Cummins and Travis Head, have been rested from the squad for the home series.

The Aussies To Name Interim Captain In Mitchell Marsh's Absence

Fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson returned to the squad after recovering from injuries sustained during the tour of England. Riley Meredith was not selected for the squad or the upcoming three-match series. Notably, Meredith recently played a match in the Sheffield Shield.

White-ball specialists Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, and Josh Inglis were included in the squad. With regular captain Mitchell Marsh unavailable, the Aussies have set to name an interim captain. Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, and Matt Short are coming into consideration for the role.

Australia's squad for the T20I series against Pakistan

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, Adam Zampa

We Are Excited By The Mix Of Experience - George Bailey

Speaking on the selection, Chair of Selectors George Bailey said that first-choice players are absent from the T20I series due to Test commitments. He said that they will gain valuable international experience during the series. Bailey is pleased with the return of Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis.

“This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience throughout this series. We are excited by the mix of experience combined with those closer to the start of their international journeys," Bailey said.

“It is particularly encouraging to have Xavier, Spencer and Nathan back in the national setup. It’s another opportunity for them to continue to show their ability on the international stage, as they have done in the past,” he added.

Andre Borovec will manage the preparations for the T20I series. Head coach Andrew McDonald and assistant coaches Michael di Venuto and Daniel Vettori will work for the BGT series. Borovec will receive support from former Australian player Brad Hodge and ex-New Zealand bowler Hamish Bennett.

The Aussies have a good record against Pakistan in T20 matches at home. They have recorded three wins out of four, with one match being abandoned due to rain. The last T20I between the two teams took place during the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, where the Men in Green reached the final.

Also read: Watch: Radha Yadav grabs two sensational catches during second ODI vs New Zealand