Xtra Time Web Desk: Several key players from Australia’s T20I squad have left home or will be leaving for home ahead of the third T20I against India at Guwahati. Steve Smith and Adam Zampa have already left India ahead of the third T20I in Guwahati, while Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Sean Abbott are set to return to Australia on Wednesday. In response, the Australian selectors have named replacements for the departing players.
Ben McDermott and Josh Philippe are already with the squad and available for the third T20I. Ben Dwarshuis and Chris Green will join the team ahead of the fourth T20I in Raipur. Travis Head, a key contributor in Australia’s World Cup triumph, and Tanveer Sangha, a travelling reserve, will be the only members of the World Cup-winning squad remaining in India for the rest of the T20I series.
Pat Cummins, the Test and ODI captain, acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from a long tournament to a series, with the T20I matches against India starting just four days after Australia lifted the World Cup. Cummins and Mitchell Starc were present at the SCG with the World Cup trophy, emphasizing the demanding schedule faced by players.
Here is Australia’s updated T20I squad: Matthew Wade (c), Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Kane Richardson