Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Australia has unveiled its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, with Mitchell Marsh appointed as the captain, marking the culmination of his interim leadership role over the past year.
1. David Warner
2. Travis Head
3. Mitch Marsh
4. Marcus Stoinis
5. Glenn Maxwell
6. Tim David
7. Matthew Wade
8. Pat Cummins
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Adam Zampa
11. Josh Hazlewood
Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
The 15-member squad includes familiar faces alongside a couple of surprises, setting the stage for a compelling campaign in the Caribbean and the USA.
Key inclusions in the squad are Ashton Agar and Cameron Green, both of whom make their return to the shortest format for Australia after a hiatus since late 2022. However, the absence of Steve Smith, a stalwart in the Australian lineup, marks a significant shift, with this being the first time he won’t feature in a World Cup since 2014.
Mitch Marsh expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the squad, emphasizing the team’s recent successes and the anticipation for a competitive tournament. The squad composition reflects a balance of experience and potential, with a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents.
Ashton Agar’s return to the squad is particularly noteworthy, given the slow conditions expected in the Caribbean. Selection chief George Bailey highlighted Agar’s potential impact, alongside stalwarts like Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, in complementing Australia’s bowling options.
The squad’s depth is further enhanced by the inclusion of Cameron Green, whose versatility adds value to the team’s middle-order batting. Despite Jake Fraser-McGurk’s impressive performances in the IPL, Green’s form and adaptability earned him the nod ahead of the young prospect.
Australia’s faith in David Warner and Travis Head for the top-order reaffirms their commitment to experienced campaigners, despite Warner’s ongoing recovery from a hand injury. The selectors remain optimistic about Warner’s fitness, trusting him to regain full form ahead of the World Cup.
With Matthew Wade and Josh Inglis as the designated wicketkeepers, and Nathan Ellis joining the pace troika of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s squad boasts depth and versatility across all departments.
While some players missed out on selection, Bailey reassured that the squad’s composition was a result of careful consideration and the constraints of a 15-member limit. The selectors remain vigilant, keeping an eye on players who could potentially join the squad in the coming weeks, adhering to ICC regulations.