Mitchell Starc’s reported omission from the pyjama party of 15 heading to India has been confirmed with the announcement of Australia’s white ball squad for the upcoming series.
When the first 50-over ball is bowled in Hyderabad, Australia will be without Starc, due to a pectoral injury, and fellow pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood.
Billy Stanlake and Peter Siddle have been dropped, with Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile joining Australia’s two spinning options and Pat Cummins.
“This paves the way for Kane Richardson to come into the squad," national selector Trevor Hohns said. "Kane has been in outstanding form over the summer, including his recent performances in the BBL. Kane not only has experience playing ODI cricket for Australia, but he’s also performed well for his country when given the opportunity.”
“Nathan Coulter-Nile provides us with another quality bowling option, he brings good energy in the field and can also score runs in high pressure situations.
“Peter Siddle and Mitch Marsh are unfortunate to miss out, but our message throughout the summer remains true, with such a big schedule ahead opportunities may well present themselves.”
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Ashton Turner, who was on standby for an ill Mitch March for the Sydney ODI, has also been named, with D’Arcy Short in the squad as cover for Shaun Marsh, who is recovering from a hamstring injury and expecting the birth of his second child.
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Cummins will share the co-vice captaincy with Alex Carey.
“With Josh Hazlewood sidelined through injury, Pat Cummins has been named co vice-captain alongside Alex Carey for the series,” Hohns said.
“Pat did a tremendous job during the Sri Lankan Test series, and we look forward to him continuing to live and drive the team’s values and standards.”
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The squad only covers the India leg of the Australian men’s team great overseas adventure. Depending on the final announcement of the Pakistan series, Starc, David Warner and Steve Smith could be added at some time – though the two batsmen may play IPL instead
Australia will play two T20 internationals and five ODIs against India, starting with a T20I on Sunday, February 24.
MEN'S ODI/T20 SQUAD
| NAME | STATE |
|---|---|
| Aaron Finch (c) | Victoria |
| Usman Khawaja | Queensland |
| Shaun Marsh | Western Australia |
| Peter Handscomb | Victoria |
| Glenn Maxwell | Victoria |
| Ashton Turner | Western Australia |
| Marcus Stoinis | Western Australia |
| Alex Carey (vc) | South Australia |
| Pat Cummins (vc) | New South Wales |
| Nathan Coulter-Nile | Western Australia |
| Jhye Richardson | Western Australia |
| Kane Richardson | Western Australia |
| Jason Behrendorff | Western Australia |
| Nathan Lyon | New South Wales |
| Adam Zampa | South Australia |
| D'Arcy Short | Western Australia |