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David Warner, a pivotal figure in Australia's recent World Cup victory, will not be part of the Australian team for the upcoming T20 series against India. Following Australia's triumphant World Cup journey, where Warner emerged as the top run-scorer for his team with a total of 535 runs at an average of 48.63, he has been excused from the 15-player squad. This decision comes just days after the conclusion of the 50-over tournament.
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Instead of participating in the T20 series, Warner is set to return to Australia, preparing for what could be his final Test season. He has previously expressed his intention to retire from Test cricket after the upcoming New Year's Test against Pakistan in Sydney.
In Warner's absence, Aaron Hardie, an up-and-coming all-rounder from Western Australia, has been called up to the squad. Hardie, who made both his One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) debuts in the white-ball tour of South Africa in September, will now have an opportunity to showcase his skills in the international arena.
"Selectors decided Warner would return home on the back of a successful yet demanding World Cup campaign," Cricket Australia said in a statement.
With Warner's absence at the top of the order, veteran batter Steve Smith is a likely candidate to open the innings. Smith, who reinvented himself as a T20 opener with an impressive performance for the Sydney Sixers last summer, is expected to compete for the spot. Despite being sidelined with a wrist injury during Australia's 3-0 T20 series win against South Africa in September, Smith's experience and versatility make him a strong contender.
Other potential replacements include Travis Head and Matt Short, both of whom are part of the Australian touring party. The T20 series, which comprises five matches, is set to commence in Visakhapatnam on November 23. This series provides an opportunity for the Australian team to experiment with their lineup and strategies in the absence of Warner, allowing other players to step up and fill the void left by one of their key players.
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