Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2021

There is a lot of talk around the Australia team going into this T20 World Cup. There have been quite publicized debates around the place of head coach Justin Langer, their key players haven’t shown up for tours and the overall balance doesn’t seem quite right. On top of that, a series loss in West Indies and Bangladesh doesn’t put them in the right mind frame heading into the T20 World Cup. 

However, on paper, this Australian team looks quite balanced and has enough quality to go and win the tournament. The issues are around injuries, their recoveries, and lack of match practice going into the tournament. Skipper Aaron Finch himself played a lot of games in recent times while his opening partner David Warner has been dropped from his IPL team due to poor form. 

Steve Smith is the only specialist batter apart from those two openers and is likely to bat at his preferred no. 3 position. Speaking of that position, there is someone who has been trying to eye it for some time. Don’t be surprised if you see Mitchell Marsh walking out at no. 3 in the T20 World Cup. His all-around skills will come in handy along with that of Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, who have been in sensational form in the IPL.

Uncapped Josh Inglis chosen over  ODI vice-captain Alex Carey

Ashton Agar has also been named in the squad and could get a start at no. 7. Talking about the wicketkeeping option, Alex Carey has been ignored in favor of Josh Inglis, who is yet to make his debut for Australia. Despite that, it is Matthew Wade who is expected to take the gloves for Australia in their starting XI. 

The Aussies have got two leg-spinners in the team apart from the left-arm finger spinner in Ashton Agar. Adam Zampa is a sure starter along with Mitchell Swepson being a close second-choice pick. The pace attack consists of the famous trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins, who are all likely to be a part of the starting XI. Kane Richardson has also been picked and could be slotted in, if required. 

Apart from these 15 men, Cricket Australia (CA) also picked three reserves in Dan Christian, Daniel Sams, and Nathan Ellis, all of whom are capable players and can make it to the main squad, if there is an urgent requirement. 

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. 

Reserves: Dan Christian, Daniel Sams, and Nathan Ellis