Surprise inclusion as Australia name squad for T20 World Cup & Australia Tour of India
Australia has announced its squad to defend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, bolstered by the inclusion of a late-over specialist.
The biggest news surrounding the group is that Tim David has been picked by the Australian selectors, formally completing the switch from Associate Member Singapore.
Therefore, the only change from Australia’s dominant 2021 T20 WC squad is the selection of the hard-hitting all-rounder. He replaced spinner Mitch Swepson to give Aaron Finch more batting options.
The 26-year-old has made waves for his strength with the bat in life-or-death situations on the domestic scene. The Australians, who are one of the favourites to win the event at home, will benefit greatly from the inclusion of David.
World Cup squad assembled!
Here’s the 15 who will represent our national men’s team at the upcoming T20 World Cup and tour of India
pic.twitter.com/DUgqUGWuyV
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) August 31, 2022
The inclusion of David welcomed by Australian Chair of Selectors George Bailey, who also attributed Swepson’s exclusion to the demands and circumstances of the team.
“Tim (David) continues to establish himself with some quality performances in leagues around the world. And also earning a place in the squad. He is a highly gifted, natural ball striker who will add extra batting depth to the group. That has had a lot of success in T20 cricket.
“We expect him to play a similar role to that he has been playing in the past few years.”
“Mitchell Swepson was unlucky to miss out based on conditions in the UAE at the last World Cup. There we planned for tired, spinning wickets compared to what we would expect are good batting conditions. Along with the larger grounds in Australia.
On October 22, Australia’s campaign gets underway in Sydney when they take on trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at the SCG.
In the 2021 final, all-rounder Mitch Marsh stole the show with a 50-ball 77* in an eight-wicket victory in Dubai.
The No.3 batter currently nursing an ankle injury, though expected to recover in time for both the tournament. And also Australia’s three-match T20I series in India, beginning in late September, as part of their preparation.
Australia has maintained its successful bowling strategy from the previous season, with No. 1 T20I bowler Josh Hazlewood leading the attack.
Beginning on September 21, Australia will tour India for three T20Is with a minor squad change.
David Warner will stay in Australia as part of a managed period of preparation for a full summer schedule. With Cameron Green to replace the opener.
Australia T20 World Cup squad
Aaron Finch (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Ashton Agar, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.
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