Star Aussie batters Travis Head and Steve Smith will duke it out in New Zealand as they strive to partner David Warner at the top of the order for this year’s T20 World Cup.
Cricket Australia on Tuesday morning released a 15-player squad for Australia’s T20 Series against the Black Caps later this month.
Head, Smith, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have all been named in the full-strength squad, returning to T20I duties after the being rested for the series against the West Indies.
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Speedster Nathan Ellis, who nearing a full recovery from a rib injury, has also been named in the squad. But should Ellis need more time to prepare for the NZ series, star Brisbane Heat bowler Spencer Johnson is on standby to replace him for the West Indies series.
“Travis, Pat, Mitchell and Steve rejoin the squad following the series against the West Indies with Jason Behrendorff and Sean Abbott amongst the standby players from those playing the upcoming T20s,” Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey said.
“The next six games will provide us the opportunity to start shaping what we think our World Cup squad will look like and potential roles within that.
“We will also fully utilise the opportunity to monitor and watch the performances of the Australian players in the IPL immediately preceding the World Cup.”
Australia’s T20 squad to tour New Zealand: Mitchell Marsh (C), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
