Mitchell Marsh will lead Australia during next month’s T20I series against the West Indies, with Cricket Australia unveiling a 14-player squad on Wednesday afternoon.Test bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been rested for the T20s due to workload management, while batter Steve Smith also was not selected. However, all three players are expected to return for the T20 series against New Zealand in late February.
“I want to be a part of (the T20 World Cup), as anyone would,” Smith told reporters at the Gabba on Wednesday afternoon.
“I’ve had a few opportunities to open and obviously did it well in the Big Bash. It’s different to international cricket, I know, but I haven’t had a huge opportunity there. I’d certainly be interested, but we’ll wait and see.”
Watch Australia v West Indies on Kayo Sports. Every Test, ODI and T20I Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
Veteran opener David Warner, currently representing the Dubai Capitals in the United Arab Emirates, will return to Australia ahead of the T20 series, missing the International League T20 finals campaign. Wicketkeepers Matthew Wade and Josh Inglis have both been selected, while Adam Zampa is the lone strike spinner.
Victorian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who was withdrawn from the ODI series against the West Indies earlier this week, has also been selected for the T20s along with Tasmanian quick Nathan Ellis, who will also miss the ODIs due to injury.
Chair selector George Bailey said the three-match T20 series, which gets underway in Hobart on February 9, will help Australia prepare for June’s T20 World Cup in the United States of America and the Caribbean.
“We see these matches as an opportunity to narrow down on those who may be part of the T20 World Cup squad later this year,” Bailey said in a statement.
“There are a further three T20 internationals in New Zealand following this West Indies series where we will continue to build towards the T20 World Cup as required.
“It is likely we will use the block of six games to provide opportunity to players in some different roles and positions.
“We will then be keeping a close eye on the IPL before choosing a World Cup squad.”
Australia has yet to announce a national men’s T20 captain, with Cummins and Marsh among the leading candidates.
The first T20 between Australia and West Indies gets underway at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on Friday, February 9.
Australia’s T20 squad for West Indies series
Mitchell Marsh (c)
Sean Abbott
Jason Behrendorff
Tim David
Nathan Ellis
Josh Hazlewood
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Glenn Maxwell
Matt Short
Marcus Stoinis
Matthew Wade
David Warner
Adam Zampa