Australia’s Test Regulars to Skip T20 Series Against Pakistan
Marsh and Teammates Focus on Preparation for Blockbuster Test Clash with India
Australia-(Sports Reporter): Australia’s T20 captain Mitchell Marsh, along with other test regulars, will not participate in the three-match T20 series against Pakistan in November. Instead, they’ll focus on preparations for the highly anticipated test match against India later that month.
The squad for the T20 series, which includes matches in Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart, was revealed on Monday. Australia’s test players were notably absent, allowing them to concentrate on the first test against India, set to start in Perth on November 22.
Cricket Australia suggested that some T20 players might join the test team after the final T20 game in Hobart on November 18, though chief selector George Bailey clarified that this is only a backup plan in case of injuries. “We’re prioritizing individual preparation for the test summer,” Bailey explained in a video call, adding that T20 players would only be brought over if unexpected shifts in the lineup occurred.
The selection approach may disappoint players like Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell, who had hoped for a test opportunity to fill the spot left by Cameron Green, sidelined for the season. Steve Smith is expected to move down to bat at number four, replacing Green, and opening options remain undecided alongside Usman Khawaja.
Bailey indicated Inglis is not under consideration as a test opener but praised his batting form. “He’s firmly in the mix as a batter,” Bailey said. “If an opportunity opens up in a role we think suits him best, he’ll be part of that conversation.”
In the T20 squad, seamers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson return after injuries suffered during recent white-ball matches in England and Scotland. Bailey mentioned the team captain would be named closer to the series opener at the Gabba on November 14, noting that several players with captaincy experience could take on the role.
Australia’s T20 squad 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.
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