Two new members in Australia’s T20 squad

Australia have unveiled a 17-man squad for a three-match Twenty20 International series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on 29 January in Lahore, as part of their final preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup. The selection features two uncapped players, marking a deliberate blend of experience and emerging talent as the reigning world champions fine-tune their combinations in subcontinental conditions.

The squad will be led by Mitchell Marsh and includes two newcomers: 20-year-old fast bowler Mahli Beardman and all-rounder Jack Edwards. Both players have earned their maiden T20I call-ups on the back of impressive performances in the Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s premier domestic T20 competition. Their inclusion reflects the selectors’ intention to broaden the national talent pool and provide exposure to players considered close to regular international selection.

Notably, only ten members of Australia’s provisional T20 World Cup group will take part in the Pakistan series. Several senior figures—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David and Nathan Ellis—will instead link up with the World Cup squad in Sri Lanka, prioritising workload management and targeted preparation.

Chief selector George Bailey described the series as a valuable opportunity for fringe and younger players. He noted that the tour would allow those on the cusp of selection to gain meaningful international experience in challenging conditions. Bailey highlighted that Beardman has travelled with the national setup on multiple occasions, while Edwards was part of the squad for the final ODI against India last year, underlining their gradual integration into the senior environment.

Edwards has been particularly eye-catching in the current BBL season for the Sydney Sixers, contributing consistently with the ball and demonstrating control in pressure situations. Beardman, representing the Perth Scorchers, has also impressed with pace and discipline, attributes highly regarded by the Australian think tank.

Several squad members, including Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe and Matt Renshaw, may miss the opening match of the series due to BBL final commitments, potentially opening further opportunities for rotation and experimentation.

All three matches of the series will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, providing Australia with a concentrated assessment of conditions similar to those expected later in the World Cup. Following the Pakistan tour, Australia will open their World Cup campaign against Ireland on 11 February.

Key Performances Leading to Selection

Australia T20 Squad for Pakistan Tour

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

With a careful balance of youth and experience, the Pakistan series represents a crucial testing ground as Australia sharpen their focus on defending their global T20 crown.