Australia announce white-ball squads for South Africa series; Mitchell Marsh named captain
The T20 and ODI series are set to be played across Darwin, Cairns and Mackay.
The National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced 14-player men’s squads for the T20 and ODI Series against South Africa in Darwin, Cairns and Mackay.
Mitchell Owen has been named in his first ODI squad following his successful tour of the West Indies while Travis Head and Josh Hazelwood return to each squad. Matt Short returns to both sides having recovered from a minor side strain.
In the absence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh resumes captaincy of the ODI squad which includes Cameron Green, Xavier Bartlett and Lance Morris. The returnees along with a reduced squad means Sean Abbott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie are not part of the squad.
Morris returns to the Australian squad for the first time since his last game against Pakistan in Perth in November.
With the T20 squad also reduced from 16 to 14 with Head and Hazelwood returning Fraser-McGurk, Hardie, Connolly and Xavier Bartlett were not selected for this series.
Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell have retired from ODI cricket while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc continue their build towards the home summer.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey said: “As we build towards the T20 World Cup the flexibility and depth shown in the West Indies, outside of the obvious results, has been a huge positive.
“The flexibility within the batting order and ability of bowlers to bowl in different stages of the innings were particularly pleasing to see.
“Mitch Owen and Matt Kuhnemann making their respective debuts and the preparation and work done by Nathan Ellis to allow him to play all five matches were highlights.
“The smaller squad for a home series, along with the return of Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood, see some players not part of the squad for this Top End series, but all remain in the frame moving forward and we feel the entire group embraced every opportunity.
“We expect that to continue through this series, and the New Zealand and Indian series later this year, as we balance continued opportunities for players and the preparation for the Test summer.”
Australian T20I squad against South Africa:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa
Australian ODI squad against South Africa:
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