Sydney: Australia have named a 13-player squad for next month's three-match T20I series at home against Pakistan.
Australia will have to find a new skipper for the visit of Pakistan with their regular leaders absent due to Test duties.
Fast bowling trio Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson all return to the squad after recovering from injury, with white-ball regulars Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa and Josh Inglis are also named for the series that commences in Brisbane on November 14.
There is no room for Australia's Test stars as they will continue their preparation for the crucial five-match Test series against India that starts on November 22, meaning the Aussies will need to find a new skipper for the Pakistan series.
Regular white-ball skipper Mitch Marsh and Test captain Pat Cummins will be in Perth ahead of the opening Test against India, leaving selectors with the chance to appoint a new player to lead the side for the first time against Pakistan.
Selection Chair George Bailey is looking forward to seeing what the group can produce in the absent of many of their first-choice player away on Test duties.
“This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience throughout this series. We are excited by the mix of experience combined with those closer to the start of their international journeys," Bailey said.
“It is particularly encouraging to have Xavier, Spencer and Nathan back in the national setup. It’s another opportunity for them to continue to show their ability on the international stage, as they have done in the past.”
Australia T20I squad: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Series schedule:
First T20I: November 14, Brisbane
Second T20I: November 16, Sydney
Third T20I: November 18, Hobart.
