Australian Squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup
Australian Squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup

Xtra Time Web Desk: The National Selection Panel (NSP) on Monday has named the squads for the One Day Series against India and an initial 18-player squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. The selectors have dropped Marnus Labuschagne from the ODI squad. West Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie, South Australian Spencer Johnson and Victorian Matt Short join their first Australian tour.

Chair of Selectors George Bailey said, “Aaron, Spencer and Matt have been outstanding in the BBL and identified as potential national players of the future. This tour is a great opportunity for all three to demonstrate those skills in a national team environment.

“Aaron has impressed in recent outings for Australia A as well as for the Scorchers while Matt has blossomed with extra responsibility at the top of the order for the Strikers.

“Spencer’s left-arm pace and bounce was highly effective in his first season for the Heat. This trip will be a fantastic experience for all three and the chance to play their first games for their country.”

Jason Behrendorff also returns to national colours for the first time since the 2022 Pakistan tour.

*Glenn Maxwell will miss the ODI series in South Africa (family leave) and rejoin the squad in India. Pat Cummins will join the squad for the ODI series in South Africa to prepare for India as he recovers from a fractured left wrist sustained on the first day of the final Ashes Test match in London.

“Pat injured his left wrist diving in the field on the first day at The Oval,” Bailey said. “He has an undisplaced fracture of his left radius which requires six weeks rehabilitation.

“We expect him to join the squad during the South African ODI Series. We view a period of enforced rest for Pat as a positive ahead of this important World Cup campaign.

“There are still a number of games he could play before the World Cup which is more than enough for him to have a strong preparation.”

The squad is largely a continuation of the group which last defeated India 2-1 in March with the addition of Hardie, promising young spinner Tanveer Sangha, who is yet to debut in national colours but has previously toured with the Australian T20 squad, and the omission of Marnus Labuschagne.

A provisional World Cup squad of 15 players will be named in early September, with squad finalisation required on September 28.