Australia make huge changes to their squad for T20Is vs India; call-up Under-19 star

There aren’t a lot of youngsters in the current Australia set-up in any of the formats. Cooper Conolly remains a shining light, especially after he won Australia the second one-day international in Adelaide yesterday. Now, it looks like the Aussies are fast-tracking another youngster in the side, giving a maiden call-up to Mahli Beardman.

Mahli Beardman in line to make debut vs India

The standout selection is 20-year-old Mahli Beardman, one of Australia’s brightest young fast-bowling prospects. Beardman was part of the side that won the ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa last year, finishing with 10 wickets in the tournament. Most notably, he took a match-winning three-fer in the World Cup final against India. His performances in domestic cricket this season have fast-tracked his elevation to the senior side, as he replaces senior pacer Josh Hazlewood for the final three T20Is.

Beardman joins a reworked squad that also includes Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis and Josh Philippe. Maxwell, who has recovered from a wrist injury, will be available from the third game, while left-arm quick Dwarshuis comes in from the fourth after missing the ODI series with a calf problem. Philippe, who featured in the opening ODI against India, strengthens the side’s wicketkeeping options.

Australia manage workloads ahead of Ashes preparations

With the Ashes beginning in late November, Australia have prioritised rest and red-ball preparation for senior players. Hazlewood and Sean Abbott will skip the back end of the T20I series to take part in Sheffield Shield matches as part of their build-up for the Test summer.

In the ODI setup, all-rounder Jack Edwards and spinner Matt Kuhnemann have been added for the final match in Sydney, while Marnus Labuschagne will return to play for Queensland. Labuschagne was drafted in by Australia as a replacement for Cameron Green but the star batter failed to get any game time in the two ODIs.

Australia lead the ongoing ODI series 2-0 after a close win in Adelaide. The five-match T20I series begins on October 29 in Canberra, followed by fixtures in Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

AUS squad for Australia vs India T20Is

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.

Australia ODI squad (third game): Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa