LAHORE: Travis Head is set to captain Australia in the opening match of the three-game T20I series against Pakistan on Thursday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, with several key players expected to miss the series opener.
Regular captain Mitchell Marsh is likely to be rested after arriving in Pakistan only on Wednesday, alongside wicketkeeper Josh Inglis. Both players were part of the Perth Scorchers squad that won their sixth Big Bash League title on Sunday, defeating the Sydney Sixers at Perth Stadium.
In Marsh’s absence, Head will take charge for only the second time in his career. His previous captaincy appearance came in a T20I against England in Cardiff in 2024.
Australia are already dealing with multiple absences due to injury. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis have all been ruled out, while Glenn Maxwell has been rested as he prepares for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup beginning next week.
Second and third T20Is
The second and third T20Is will also be played at the Gaddafi Stadium on January 31 and February 1. The toss for each match is scheduled for 5:30pm Pakistan Standard Time, with the first ball to be bowled at 6:00pm.
The series is expected to provide valuable match practice for both sides ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, while Australia will compete in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.
This tour marks Australia’s third visit to Pakistan since 2022. Historically, the two teams have played 28 T20 Internationals, with Australia winning 14 matches and Pakistan 12, while one match ended in a tie and another produced no result.
Australia squad:
Mitch Marsh (c), 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, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.
