Australia have declared a 13-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, with seasoned Australian stars set to miss series against Pakistan due to Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The absence of senior players will provide an opportunity for a new skipper to take over. The T20I series against Pakistan will end four days ahead of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, therefore, top brass of Australian lineup will be missing in action in T20Is against Pakistan. 

Australia’s captain for T20Is hasn’t been named yet. Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis have returned to the T20I side after recovering from their injuries. Pat Cummins will lead the side in ODIs amid the presence of all senior players such as Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith. 

“It is particularly encouraging to have Xavier, Spencer and Nathan back in the national setup,” said head selector George Bailey.

“It’s another opportunity for them to continue to show their ability on the international stage, as they have done in the past.”

Australia T20I squad: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.