Cricket Australia on August 7 (Monday) announced a 14-member senior men's national team squad for the three-match T20I series against South Africa which will begin on August 31 in Durban. Mitchell Marsh, who has been around the Australian white-ball circuit for a long time, has been appointed as the captain despite veteran stars like Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis in the squad.
On paper, it appears as if the Australia cricket board has awarded players who performed well in the Big Bash League (BBL). Aaron Hardie, who is a hard-hitting explosive batter and bowler medium pace, has also been included in the T20I squad. The 24-year-old is yet to make his international debut for the Baggy Greens. In all likelihood, the all-rounder will get a chance in the T20 series against South Africa as he has also been named in Australia's initial 18-member ODI World Cup squad.
Adam Zampa will lead the spin department as the veteran leg-spinner would look to get some revs under him and get ready for the marquee ODI World Cup scheduled to be staged later in the year in India.
Explosive batter Tim David has also been named in the squad that comprises some of the best all-rounders in the shortest format of the game.
In the fast bowling department, Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Ellis will take shoulder the load in the absence of senior pacers.
Australia T20I squad for South Africa series: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia tour o South Africa 2023: T20I schedule and fixture:
August 30: First T20I, Durban
September 1: Second T20I, Durban
September 3: Third T20I, Durban, September 3
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
