Three Australians will make their international debut during Wednesday evening’s first T20I against South Africa in Durban.
On Tuesday afternoon, Cricket Australia confirmed that uncapped players Matt Short, Aaron Hardie and Spencer Johnson had been picked for the series opener at Kingsmead, with the tourists making eight changes to the starting XI from their previous T20.
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Short joins Adelaide Strikers teammate Travis Head at the top of the order, while West Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will don the gloves. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh will lead his country for the first time.
Earlier this week, Glenn Maxwell was ruled out of the T20 series against the Proteas after suffering a minor ankle injury, while Ashes stars Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green and David Warner were also unavailable for selection.
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Head, who played alongside Johnson at South Australia, sang the left-armed quick’s praises ahead of the series opener.
“He’s someone who has played really well over the last couple of months and (his Australian call-up) is something that has probably come a little bit quicker than expected,” Head told reporters on Monday.
“He’s gone through a bit of injury stuff but he’s someone who bowls at high speed and can swing the ball. He’s done it really well at tournaments over the last couple of months.
“His body is good, he’s bowling fast, hopefully he can be that guy for us at the top of the bowling innings, someone similar to Starcy and a matchwinner taking wickets.
“It would be nice to see him get an international experience, have a crack at it and see where he matches up.”
Short, who was named player of the Big Bash League last summer, has plied his trade in the Indian Premier League and The Hundred this year.
“He’s continuing to get better and better,” Head continued.
“He’s gone around the world and learned some skillsets and seen it done differently. He’s coming in off some good stuff.”
The first T20 between South Africa and Australia gets underway on Thursday morning AEST at 2am.
Australian XI for 1st T20
Matt Short, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (c), Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
