Australia has named a star-studded squad, with captain Aaron Finch and Steve Smith among a host of big names returning to action.
Follow Us
There was a lot of confusion over whether Steve Smith would be included in Australia’s squad for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup. While some cited the Ashes which follow soon after as a factor that could see Smith sidelined, others termed his inability to smash the ball freely as an area of concern. However, the selectors have opted to show faith in the capabilities of the 32-year-old, including him in a star-studded squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 campaign.
Captain Aaron Finch and Smith are among a host of big names returning to action. Finch and Smith have been backed to return from knee and elbow injuries respectively for the popular tournament. David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins and Kane Richardson are also set to be back in action. The players were sidelined for the recent tours of the Caribbean and Bangladesh between July to August.
The return of these star performers is certainly a massive boost to Australia who will be looking to record their maiden Men’s T20 World Cup triumph. The Australians have been in terrible form in the shortest format recently, having lost each of their past five series. However, in the three most recent of those they have been unable to field a full-strength XI. The return of players like Warner and Smith might well set them on the right course.
One interesting inclusion is the addition of wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis. Inglis is adept at playing both as an opener and in the middle order. The cricketer has been in excellent form across formats over the past one year in domestic cricket. This has seen him leapfrog both Alex Carey and Josh Philippe to the role of reserve keeper. Carey and Philippe were seen representing Australia in Austalia’s tour of the Caribbean and Bangladesh. Inglis is uncapped at the international level, but well capable of making his mark at the biggest level.
“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,” said George Bailey, chairman of selectors.
“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.”
“We are confident this squad has the ability to take the side deep into what will be an extremely competitive tournament,” Bailey said. 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,” concluded Bailey.
Carey and Philippe were not the only notable omissions. Eight members from Australia’s winter campaigns have been left out of the squad. This includes the likes of Moises Henriques, Ashton Turner and Andrew Tye.
The bowling attack is stronger following the addition of Pat Cummins. Cummins joins what looks a scintillating attack on paper, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson all selected. Spinners Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson will be expected to deliver the goods in the UAE.
All-rounders Dan Christian, Daniel Sams and fast bowler Nathan Ellis have been named as travelling reserves.
Squad: 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.
