Australia on Wednesday (May 1) announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in the United States and the Caribbean in June.
The 2021 T20 World Cup winners have made some big decisions ahead of their second title. They have left out veteran batsman Steve Smith as well as young sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk for the marquee event. Smith has taken part in four T20 World Cup editions so far.
Incidentally, he made his first appearance at the T20 World Cup in 2010, also in the Caribbean. He later also played in the 2016, 2021 and 2022 editions. In total, he played 19 matches in the T20 World Cup and managed to score a modest 190 runs at an average of 19.
Fraser-McGurk is another notable absentee from Australia’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Many expected him to be part of the squad after his impressive performances in the ongoing IPL 2024. Fraser-McGurk played in the IPL for the first time. McGurk has hit 259 runs in 6 matches at a strike rate of 233. He hit three half-centuries, including two 15-ball fifties.
Australia’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024:
Cameron Green and Ashton Agar were added to the Australian squad. After their long absence from the Australian T20I squad, not many expected them to take part in the World Cup. While Green has not played a T20I since November 2022, Agar’s last T20I appearance came in October 2022.
Mitchell Marsh has since been confirmed as Australian captain for the tournament. The all-rounder recently suffered a hamstring injury and had to return home from the IPL where he played for Delhi Capitals. He was subsequently ruled out of the ongoing IPL 2024.
“It was a great privilege to play for my country and now it is an even greater honor to lead the team to a World Cup.” Marsh said
“We have had some great success recently and I am confident that this will continue in a tournament with great openness.” he added.
Meanwhile, David Warner has been included in the team despite his struggles in the ongoing IPL. Travis Head is also part of the squad after his impressive performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will be other all-rounder options in the team alongside Green, while Tim David is expected to be the finisher.
Australia have selected Matthew Wade and Josh Inglis as wicketkeepers in the team. In the spin department, Australia have fielded two frontline spinners – Adam Zampa and Agar, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Ellis are the team’s frontline pacers.
Australia’s T20 World Cup squad:
Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.