Australia’s experienced batsman, David Warner, has decided to withdraw from the upcoming five-match T20I series against India. Warner showcased remarkable form for Australia in the recently concluded ODI World Cup.
The southpaw exhibited an exceptional performance for Australia in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, earning an impressive total of 535 runs in 11 matches. Interestingly, the T20I series is set to take off just four days after the completion of the major tournament in India. Consequently, some key players from both teams will be absent from the series as part of their workload management policy.
In the aftermath of the grueling World Cup, Cricket Australia has officially announced Warner’s return to the country. He will be joining other famous players such as captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, who are also going for a well-deserved rest.
“Selectors decided Warner would return home on the back of a successful yet demanding World Cup campaign,” a statement read of Cricket Australia.
Warner’s absence in the squad has paved the way for 24-year-old Aaron Hardie, who earned his international debut earlier this year against South Africa. Despite a less-than-ideal start, Hardie’s impressive record in the Big Bash League is expected to boost his confidence for the upcoming matches.
In another change, Kane Richardson steps in for the recovering Spencer Johnson, who is nursing a hamstring injury. With 35 T20I matches under his belt, Richardson brings experience, having taken 44 wickets for Australia. Head coach Andrew McDonald will be on a break during the T20I series against India, post a successful World Cup campaign. Stepping in as the stand-in coach is Andre Borovec, while Travis Head assumes the captaincy role in the absence of Pat Cummins.
Opting to play in the T20I series despite their recent World Cup commitments are Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Adam Zampa, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, and Marcus Stoinis. However, it’s anticipated that these players won’t feature in all five matches, considering the limited rest they’ve had after a demanding tournament schedule.
Australia T20I squad: Matthew Wade (c), Aaron Hardie, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.
