The Australia vs India five-match T20I series is set to begin on October 29 in Canberra, and the selectors have made a few interesting changes to manage player workloads ahead of the Ashes.
Mahli Beardman in line for debut
The biggest highlight is the inclusion of 20-year-old pacer Mahli Beardman, who could make his international debut against India. Beardman, part of Australia’s U-19 World Cup-winning squad in South Africa last year, was instrumental in the final against India, taking three wickets. His recent domestic form has fast-tracked his elevation as he replaces senior pacer Josh Hazlewood for the last three T20Is.
The right-arm quick joins a reworked squad featuring Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, and Josh Philippe. Maxwell, returning from a wrist injury, will be available from the third T20I, while Dwarshuis joins from the fourth match after recovering from a calf problem.
Workload management for senior players
With the Ashes beginning in late November, Australia are managing workloads carefully. Hazlewood and Sean Abbott will miss the final games to prepare for red-ball cricket.
In the ODI squad, Jack Edwards and Matt Kuhnemann have been added for the final game in Sydney, while Marnus Labuschagne will return to state duties for Queensland.
Australia currently lead the ODI series 2-0 after a close win in Adelaide. The upcoming T20I series will be played across Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.
Australia T20I squad vs India
Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott (games 1–3), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (games 3–5), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (games 4–5), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (games 1–2), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell (games 3–5), Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
