PAK vs AUS 2026: Australia announce 17-member squad for three-match T20I series, Beardman and Edwards earn call-up

Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards have been included in Australia’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which will serve as preparation for next month’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Both players earned selection after strong Big Bash League 2025-26 seasons, representing Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers respectively.

Beardman was previously part of Australia’s T20I squad against India earlier this summer, while Edwards had a brief stint with the ODI group. Ten players expected to feature at the T20 World Cup will travel for the Pakistan tour, ensuring continuity ahead of the global event.

Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis have been rested following the BBL, while Tim David, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins continue their recoveries from injury. Several players have been recalled or added, including Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe and Matt Renshaw. The final 17-player squad blends experience with emerging talent ahead of the World Cup.

"The series is a great opportunity for those on the brink of selection and some young players we rate highly for valuable experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan," chair of selectors George Bailey said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"Some are already experienced international players along with Mahli Beardman who has been with the group a number of times and Jack Edwards who joined for the last one-day match against India in Sydney last year,” he added.

Players still involved in the latter stages of the BBL will link up with the squad in Pakistan once their commitments conclude. Australia are scheduled to play three T20Is against Pakistan in Lahore, with matches set for January 29, January 31 and February 1. The short series is designed to fine-tune preparations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. Australia will begin their World Cup campaign on February 11, facing Ireland in Colombo.

Australia squad vs Pakistan

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa