Australia have announced two 14-player squads for the upcoming white-ball series in the north of the country, with the return of Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood the most notable changes to the line-up that recently completed a 5-0 T20I series sweep of the West Indies in the Caribbean.
The series, which begins on August 10, will include three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals played across Darwin, Cairns and Mackay.
All-rounder Matt Short makes his return, while hard-hitting young batter Mitchell Owen has been named in both squads and could make his ODI debut following strong showings against the West Indies. Owen is joined by Matt Kuhnemann, who retains his place in the T20I squad after his debut tour.
Regular ODI captain Pat Cummins remains sidelined ahead of a demanding home summer, with Mitchell Marsh continuing to lead both squads in his absence. Fellow senior pacer Mitchell Starc has also been rested for the series.
A number of players who featured in the Caribbean series have been left out for this home assignment, including Sean Abbott (omitted from the ODI squad), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie.
Chief selector George Bailey praised the depth and flexibility displayed during the West Indies series, highlighting the positive signs ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
“As we build towards the T20 World Cup, the flexibility and depth shown in the West Indies, outside of the obvious results, has been a huge positive,” Bailey said.
“Mitch Owen and Matt Kuhnemann making their respective debuts and the preparation and work done by Nathan Ellis to allow him to play all five matches were highlights.
“The smaller squad for a home series, along with the return of Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood, see some players not part of the squad for this Top End series, but all remain in the frame moving forward.”
Bailey also confirmed that the upcoming New Zealand and India series later this year will offer further opportunities as the team looks to prepare for the home Test summer.
Australia T20I squad:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa
Australia ODI squad:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa
Series schedule:
1st T20I: August 10 – Darwin
2nd T20I: August 12 – Darwin
3rd T20I: August 16 – Cairns
1st ODI: August 19 – Cairns
2nd ODI: August 22 – Mackay
3rd ODI: August 24 – Mackay