Sydney: Allrounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, and seamer Kane Richardson returned on Thursday as Cricket Australia announced a star-studded 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE and Oman, starting October 17.
Maxwell, Stoinis and Richardson had missed the tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh and their return will bolster the squad. Aaron Finch, who will require at least 10 weeks to recover from a knee surgery he underwent earlier this month, has been named skipper. Steve Smith also returns from an elbow injury.
Josh Hazlewood has also been picked after his impressive performance during the recent two tours. “We are confident this squad has the ability to take the side deep into what will be an extremely competitive tournament,” former middle-order batsman and currently national selector George Bailey said in a statement.
Our Australian men's squad for the ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup! 🇦🇺
More from Chair of Selectors, George Bailey: https://t.co/CAQZ4BoSH5 pic.twitter.com/aqGDXZu0t9
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) August 19, 2021
“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,” he added. Uncapped West Australian Josh Inglis has been included as a backup wicketkeeper to Matthew Wade.
“Josh has been on our radar for some time with his performances in white-ball cricket. He offers the squad flexibility in the batting order with his adaptability, counter-attacking ability and power striking. He is a player we are excited about for the future,” Bailey said.
Squad: Aaron Finch (C), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
Travelling reserves: Dan Christian, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams
