Australia is elated to have found what they contend is batsman ideally suited to T20 cricket ahead of their World Cup 2021 campaign as captain Aaron Finch, power hitters David Warner and Glen Maxwell and Steve Smith return to the fold.
Among the 15-member squad the most noteworthy is Josh Inglis who can bat in both the top and middle order and also be the first choice wicket-keeper.
Uncapped to this stage at the international level, Inglis has been in top form for the past 12 months domestically.
Inglis has leapfrogged both Alex Carey and Josh Philippe to the role of reserve keeper after both men featured in Austalia’s tour of the Caribbean and Bangladesh.
“Josh has been on our radar for some time with his performances in white ball cricket and more recently in the Vitality Blast where he topped the run charts,” George Bailey, chair of selectors, said.
“He offers the squad flexibility in the batting order with his adaptability, counterattacking ability and power striking. He is a player we are excited about for the future.”
Finch (knee) and Smith (elbow) have been backed to return from injury for the tournament, with David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins and Kane Richardson also set to be back in action after sitting out the team’s tours of the Caribbean and Bangladesh in July-August.
The return of the seven stars is a major boon for Australia as they chase their first T20 World Cup trophy.
The Australians have endured a lean time of late in T20 cricket, having lost each of their past five series to India, England, New Zealand, West Indies and Bangladesh. In the three most recent of those they have been unable to field a full-strength XI and will be hopeful the return of Warner and company sets them on the right course.
Australia squad:
Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (vice captain), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa