Australia announce changes in squad for India T20Is as six World Cup winners head home

Australia. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Australia have undergone significant changes in their T20 squad against India, shuffling players for the remaining matches of the series. Steve Smith and Adam Zampa have departed ahead of the third match in Guwahati. The homecoming also saw the return of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Sean Abbott. Joining as reinforcements for the third T20 are Josh Phillippe and Ben McDermott, with Ben Dwarshuis and Chris Green set to bolster the squad later.

Chris Green, likely to debut in Raipur or the series finale in Bengaluru, brings a wealth of T20 experience from leagues worldwide and has showcased his skills in domestic cricket as well. Marnus Labuschagne’s inclusion in Queensland’s Sheffield Shield team paved the way for McDermott’s call-up, while Joel Curtis made his first-class debut for Western Australia, prompting Josh Phillippe’s inclusion in the Indian series due to his red-ball form.

The Aussies face a crucial contest in Guwahati, needing a victory after losses in the first two matches. In the series opener, despite Josh Inglis’ impressive century, India chased down Australia’s 208 to secure a tight win. The second match saw India posting a formidable 235 and restricting Australia to 191 despite valiant efforts from Steve Smith, who registered solid innings as an opener.

Australia reshuffle ahead of intense summer

Smith, confirmed for the Sydney Sixers’ BBL 13 opener before the Pakistan Test series, showcased his form with scores of 52 off 41 and 19 off 16 in the earlier games. Travis Head remains the lone player from the World Cup-winning squad in India, accompanied by Tanveer Sangha, who serves as a reserve. Australia’s focus is now on a crucial victory in the upcoming clash to keep their series hopes alive after a challenging start against a strong Indian side.

Australia T20I squad for India:

Matthew Wade (c), Aaron Hardie, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott (withdrawn), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Chris Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (withdrawn), Glenn Maxwell (withdrawn), Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith (withdrawn), Marcus Stoinis (withdrawn), Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa (withdrawn)