SYDNEY: 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 players, including recent T20I captains Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, along with Pat Cummins, will not participate in the Pakistan series. Consequently, selectors are evaluating potential new captains for the T20 side, with candidates such as Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Matt Short, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis under consideration.
George Bailey, chairman of selectors, stated that the final decision on the captain will be made closer to the series start. “I think there are several players with the ability to captain, some of whom have experience as well,” Bailey said. “We’ll work through that.”
Returning to the squad after injuries are Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson, all of whom missed the previous UK tour. Johnson has already made his comeback in domestic cricket, while Bartlett and Ellis are expected to be match-fit for the three-game series scheduled from November 14 to 18.
The T20I squad closely resembles the group that toured the UK, with Maxwell rejoining after a rest. Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk are set to open the batting, having demonstrated strong form in prior matches.
The decision to rest Test players was influenced by the close scheduling of the T20I and Test series, as the Test squad will arrive in Perth just days before the T20 series concludes. “The Test squad will be arriving in Perth and finalizing their Test prep around the time of that second T20. We’ve been clear that we are prioritizing preparation for individuals around the Test summer,” Bailey explained. This approach helps avoid complications from switching players between formats on short notice.
Bailey also mentioned that some T20I players could be added to the Test squad if injuries occur. “You’ve got to cover your bases in case you lose the wrong person at the wrong time,” he said. “If that does shift, we can get someone to Perth, and their preparation would look a little different, but that would be okay.”
Josh Inglis, noted for his effective reverse hits, has been discussed as a potential leader for the T20 side. Recently, he was suggested as a possible Test opener by New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd. However, Bailey confirmed that Inglis won’t be considered for the top order at this time. “Not in the short term… I don’t think that he’s someone we would look to place at the top of the order,” he said. “But there’s no doubt that his form is fantastic at the moment.”
The coaching staff for the T20I series will also see changes, as Andrew McDonald, Michael Di Venuto, and Daniel Vettori will focus 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 batter Brad Hodge will join as an assistant coach, alongside 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.
