Australia announce playing XI for 1st T20I against Pakistan, Travis Head becomes captain; Mitchell Marsh rested

Star batter Travis Head has been handed a key responsibility ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 as Cricket Australia has appointed the star opener as captain for the T20I series opener against Pakistan. The Australian squad is currently on tour in Pakistan for a three-match T20I series, with the first encounter scheduled for January 29, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Australia announced their playing XI just hours before the match which left fans surprised after regular skipper Mitchell Marsh was rested from the first T20I. Marsh has been rested for the first T20I following his recent Big Bash League (BBL) outing to ensure he is physically peaked for the T20 World Cup 2026, which is slated to get underway from February 7.

Travis Head to lead Australia in 1st T20I against Pakistan

Beyond the change in leadership, the lineup for the series opener signals a new era for Australian T20 cricket. The team is set to hand international debuts to rising talents Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, while Matthew Renshaw also makes his highly anticipated return to the format for his first T20I.

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While none of these three were originally named in the T20 World Cup squad, a string of injuries to key veterans—including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis—alongside a managed rest for Glenn Maxwell, has opened the door. Their inclusion serves as a direct nod to their recent domestic success and provides a high-stakes audition on the international stage.

The batting order appears settled for the upcoming clash, with Travis Head and Matthew Short expected to provide an explosive start at the top. They will be followed by Cameron Green in the pivotal number three position. A significant highlight of the lineup is Matthew Renshaw, who is slated to bat at number four following a dominant season with the Brisbane Heat. By making his appearance in this match, Renshaw will officially join the elite group of players who have represented Australia across all three international formats.

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Australia's playing XI for 1st T20I vs Pakistan:

Travis Head (C), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman