Australia is set to host Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in November, but the squad will be missing many of its usual leaders, as Test stars prepare for the upcoming series against India. Cricket Australia has named a 13-player squad featuring a blend of experience and emerging talent, with the first T20I scheduled for November 14 in Brisbane.
Among the notable returns are fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson, who are back in the squad following their recovery from injuries.
White-ball stalwarts Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, and Josh Inglis have also been included in the squad, bringing a mix of experience to an otherwise youthful lineup.
With Australia’s Test regulars occupied with preparations for the critical five-match Test series against India, the Aussies will be without usual captain Pat Cummins and white-ball skipper Mitch Marsh. As a result, selectors will appoint a new captain to lead the team for the T20I series against Pakistan.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad, emphasizing the balance of experience and emerging talent. “This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience throughout this series,” Bailey said. “We are excited by the mix of experience combined with those closer to the start of their international journeys.”
He also highlighted the return of Bartlett, Johnson, and Ellis as an encouraging boost to the team’s pace attack. “It’s another opportunity for them to continue to show their ability on the international stage, as they have done in the past,” Bailey added.
Australia T20I Squad for Pakistan Series
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, Adam Zampa.
Series Schedule
First T20I: November 14, Brisbane
Second T20I: November 16, Sydney
Third T20I: November 18, Hobart
This series offers Australia’s younger players a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of a busy international schedule, while also challenging selectors to identify leadership qualities within the squad as the team prepares for a new chapter in Australian cricket.
