Xtra Time Web Desk: Explosive opener D’Arcy Short has been added to the Australian men’s T20 squad, replacing David Warner who injured his groin in the second ODI at SCG on Sunday.
Short has been on stand-by and training with the squad since flying from Perth to New South Wales following the COVID-19 outbreak in Adelaide.
The BBL’s leading run scorer in 2017-18 and 2018-19, Short has been brought into the squad as a like for like left-hand power opener for Warner.
Warner will miss the last match of the Dettol ODI Series and the three T20 Internationals with the groin strain, while fast bowler Pat Cummins will sit out the remainder of the white ball matches.
Coach Justin Langer said Warner would use this time to recover while Cummins would have a short break ahead of preparing for the first Vodafone Test against India in Adelaide.
“Pat and Davie are critical to our plans for the Test Series,” men’s Head Coach Justin Langer said.
“Davie will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer.
“The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home Test Series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs.”
While Short will replace Warner, no direct replacement has been made for Cummins at this stage. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis remains with squad and is continuing to recover from side strain suffered in the opening ODI game.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will not join the Australia A squad as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained while playing in the IPL.
Marsh will now make his comeback with the Perth Scorchers in the BBL. He will not be replaced in the Australia A squad.