Aussies in India: More Than Just a World Cup Afterparty
Fresh off the field from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the Australian squad isn’t packing up just yet. Eight key players from Down Under will stay on in India to face off against Rohit Sharma’s home team in a scintillating five-match T20I series. And trust us, the line-up is a cricket fan’s dream come true!
“It’s an experienced squad with a mixture of players who have had their first opportunity on the international stage and that we hope will continue to develop into important players in our T20 group,” said George Bailey, the man behind the selection chair.
Who’s Staying, Who’s Flying Back?
Matthew Wade, the keeper-batter, will don the captain’s hat, leading a team that oozes experience and raw power. Names like David Warner, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa will continue to brandish the Aussie colors on Indian soil.
“Matthew (Wade) has captained the team previously, is a leader in the group and we look forward to him taking the reins for this series,” Bailey added.
On the flip side, Pat Cummins will head back to prepare for Australia’s home Test summer against Pakistan and the West Indies. He’ll be joined by first-choice stars like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green, who’ve opted out of the T20I face-off with India.
Fresh Faces and Returning Champs
But let’s not forget the new blood. Josh Inglis and Sean Abbott, World Cup squad members, and travelling reserve Tanveer Sangha will be there to leave their mark. Plus, IPL stars Tim David, Matt Short, and Nathan Ellis will also hop on a flight to join their Aussie teammates post-World Cup.
“It’s always a great challenge to take on India on their home soil. Most of the squad have extensive experience in playing in India,” Bailey pointed out.
The Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
- First T20I – November 23: Visakhapatnam
- Second T20I – November 26: Thiruvananthapuram
- Third T20I – November 28: Guwahati
- Fourth T20I – December 1: Nagpur
- Fifth T20I – December 3: Hyderabad
An Epic Series in the Making
With a balanced blend of seasoned pros and promising newcomers, this T20I series is shaping up to be a clash of titans. The Australian team, peppered with World Cup heroes and rising stars, looks more than ready to take on India in their own backyard. So, cricket fans, fasten your seat belts; it’s going to be a roller-coaster of fours, sixes, and heart-stopping finishes!
Australia T20I Squad in a Nutshell:
- Matthew Wade (c)
- Jason Behrendorff
- Sean Abbott
- Tim David
- Nathan Ellis
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Spencer Johnson
- Glenn Maxwell
- Tanveer Sangha
- Matt Short
- Steve Smith
- Marcus Stoinis
- David Warner
- Adam Zampa
Don’t miss this epic showdown. And remember, in cricket, as in life, it ain’t over till it’s over!
