Australia have announced their preliminary squad – known as an extended group in Australia – ahead of the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to start on February 12 in Colombo. The selectors have put together a really exciting squad with some experienced players and some new blood. They are crossing their fingers for the timely recoveries of key players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David who are nursing injuries.
Hazlewood has been watching from the side lines due to an Achilles injury, that’s ruled him out of the recently concluded Ashes series. David is currently concentrating on his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. Sadly, that means his BBL career with the Hobart Hurricanes is over for this season. Certainly the Australian selectors will be hopeful that their impressive medical team will ensure these players are able to recover.
Matthew Kuhnemann had a remarkable international debut during the recent tour to the West Indies. He’s been added to the starting 15 and is set to make his World Cup debut. The team is clearly on the lookout to shore up its spin options. They have so far gambled on him to complement Adam Zampa, who is already a member of the squad.
The longlist is filled with additional talent too, including captain Mitch Marsh. Other impressive squad members are—as well as captain Pearce—Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa. The players omitted from the squad were Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott and Josh Philippe. Philippe’s absence now leaves Josh Inglis as the only other specialist wicketkeeper on standby.
Australia’s group-stage opponents include the likes of Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman. The selectors have expressed confidence in their choices, emphasizing a balance of players suited to varying conditions that Sri Lanka and India may present.
George Bailey, chief of the national selection panel, said it had been an exciting period for Australia’s T20 side.
“The T20 side has enjoyed a long run of recent success which enabled the panel to choose a balance of players across the variety of conditions Sri Lanka and India may present.” – George Bailey
Bailey was quick to add that he was open to making changes to the squad should the competition demand it.
“This is a preliminary squad so should changes need to be made they will ahead of the support period.” – George Bailey
Australia’s long term strategy is to constantly introduce new blood, as they did with new players Kuhnemann and Bartlett. Along with bringing in younger arms, they’re relying on veterans like Cummins and Zampa to provide that experience. With Hazlewood’s experience in the bowling attack and David’s explosive batting capabilities, their fitness will be crucial as Australia aims for another successful run in the World Cup.
