Australia have adopted a safety approach in build-up to the T20 World Cup 2022 at home in October-November, with the trio of Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis being rested from the upcoming T20I series in India with injury concerns.
Starc (knee), Marsh (ankle) and Stoinis (side) – will miss the series as a precaution, having suffered “low-level injuries”. David Warner has been rested, with Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams and Sean Abbott making the cut.
Stoinis and Marsh picked up the injuries during Australia’s ODI series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, whereas Starc underwent a knee scan on September 14, and the selectors decided against taking any risks with the speedster.
“Selectors felt with three games in six days across three cities – including travel to India and internally – Marsh, Stoinis and Starc are best served remaining in Australia to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,
a Cricket Australia statement said.
Aaron Finch, who announced his retirement from ODIs recently, continues to lead the T20I outfit, with the 15-member squad to tour India also comprising senior players Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa, among others.
The first T20I game between India and Australia will be played in Mohali on September 20, followed by the second in Nagpur on September 23 and the third in Hyderabad on September 25.
The current T20 World Cup holders Australia will then take on West Indies and England at home in build-up to the marquee event.
Australia’s squad for T20 series against India
Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
