Australia have announced its ODI and T20 squads for the upcoming tours to India and South Africa, respectively. New names have been added to the squad with the likes of Spencer Johnson, Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie earning a maiden national call-up. (More Cricket News)
One of the major absentees is none other than Marnus Labuschagne. The Aussie batter who played 30 of the side's 38 matches, has an average of 31.37 in ODI cricket. Despite Cricket Australia naming a 18-man squad, it's worth remembering that only 15 of them will fly out to India for the the World Cup.
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All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been named Australia's T20 skipper for the 3-match series against South Africa and becomes his country's 12th men's player to lead in cricket's shortest format.
The West Australian could also potentially take charge of the ODI side in South Africa as well if regular captain Pat Cummins doesn’t recover from the wrist injury he sustained during the Ashes.
"(Cummins) has an undisplaced fracture of his left radius which requires six weeks rehabilitation,” chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed in a statement.
“We expect him to join the squad during the South African ODI Series. We view a period of enforced rest for Pat as a positive ahead of this important World Cup campaign.
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“There are still a number of games he could play before the World Cup which is more than enough for him to have a strong preparation.”
Australia’s T20 squad for South Africa tour
Mitchell Marsh (captain), 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's ODI squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
