Australia recall Shaun Tait for the T20I series against India

The ‘Wild Thing’ Shaun Tait turned out to be the most stunning inclusion in the T20 squad announced for the upcoming T20Is against India. In all, 11 players, who weren’t in the Australian squad for the match against England last year have been named in the 17-man squad for the series.

National Selector Rod Marsh said, “Shaun Tait returns on the basis that he is the quickest bowler going around in Australia at the moment and he offers us that explosive option if we choose to use it.”

Shaun Tait, who last played for Australia five years back in the 2011 World Cup in the subcontinent, said that he didn’t expect any possibility of playing one more World Cup but was now delighted that now there is a possibility for that now.

“At least I’ve now got a chance,” he said. “Just because I’m in this squad it doesn’t mean they’ll be picking me for the World Twenty20. Like the rest, I’ve got to bowl well. If I don’t, this might be it – but at least I get to pull on an Aussie jersey again.”

Tait currently plays for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL and was constantly touching around 145 kmph mark on the speed gun.

“I can’t promise anything, other than I’m not going to change anything this time around. I’m just going to go out there and try to bowl fast. Whether that’s enough, we’ll see,” he said.

Head selector Rod Marsh has admitted that T20 squad has been selected keeping in mind the preparations for the World T20 in India. Among batsmen, Big Bash leading run scorer Chris Lynn, Travis Head and Shaun Marsh have been included in the squad.

“Chris Lynn, Travis Head and Andrew Tye have made irresistible cases for inclusion off the back of individual excellence in the KFC BBL and we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to push their claims for inclusion in the ICC World Twenty20. In terms of leg-spin, Cameron Boyce has once again impressed in domestic action and deserves his spot.”

The experienced Shane Watson is also a surprise inclusion in the squad. “Shane Watson has earned his recall to Australian colours through a combination of his experience – especially in short-form cricket – the all-round package he offers and the fact he is bang in form at the moment, having put performances on the board for the Sydney Thunder,” Marsh said.

Wily pace bowler Andrew Tye and standout performer Cameron Boyce earn their maiden national call-ups and have been rewarded for their outstanding Big Bash League form. Test specialist Nathan Lyon’s name also features in the squad and is most likely to make his T20I debut.

Amid all exciting inclusions, George Bailey and Mitchell Marsh missed out on the place in the squad. However, Rod Marsh has clarified that both will remain in contention for the World T20.

“Sadly we could not find places for George Bailey and Mitchell Marsh in the Twenty20 International squad but for both of them, and for others who have missed out on places in that line-up, the door is certainly not closed for selection for the ICC World Twenty20.”

Test captain Steven Smith and David Warner will only feature in the first T20I against India and will sit out for the following two matches to prepare for the first Chappell-Hadlee ODI against New Aealand that takes place in Auckland on February 3. Australia plays India in the first T20I at the Adelaide Oval on 26th January.

Australia’s T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Scott Boland, Cameron Boyce, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.