Australia’s experienced batsman David Warner has withdrawn his name from the upcoming five-match T20 series against India. The left-handed batsman put in an incredible performance for Australia in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, scoring 535 runs in 11 matches. Notably, the T20I series is scheduled to begin just four days after the mega tournament in India and hence, many senior cricketers from either team will miss the series as part of their workload management.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has confirmed that Warner will return to the country on demand world Cup, He joins captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh among some others.
“The selectors have decided that Warner will return home due to a successful but challenging World Cup campaign,” a Cricket Australia statement said.
Aaron Hardy has been called in the team in place of Warner. The 24-year-old made his international debut in the series against South Africa at the beginning of the year but was not very successful. However, their record in the Big Bash League is excellent, which will give them confidence to perform well.
On the other hand, Kane Richardson has replaced Spencer Johnson, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. Richardson has represented Australia In 35 T20I matches, taking 44 wickets in the process.
Head coach Andrew McDonald will also not play in the T20 series against India. After a successful World Cup campaign, the 42-year-old has been given a break as Andre Borovec has been announced as the stand-in coach for the series. Travis Head has been appointed captain in the absence of captain Pat Cummins.
Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Adam Zampa, Steven Smith, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott and Marcus Stoinis have decided to play the T20 series despite being part of Australia’s World Cup campaign squad. However, not all of these cricketers are expected to play all five matches, as the cricketers barely get any rest amid the busy tournament.
Australia T20I team: Matthew Wade (captain), Aaron Hardy, Jason Behrendorff, Sean Abbott, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Tanvir Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.
