Defending champions Australia have embraced a watchful approach ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, leaving out Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh of the T20I tour of India.
Notably, the trio have some minor injuries, but since the India tour involves three games in three separate cities in six days, Australia have taken a cautious approach keeping T20 World Cup in mind, where their campaign starts on October 22 against New Zealand in Sydney.
The injuries to Marsh (ankle) and Stoinis (side) come to light during Australia’s ODI series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, while Starc (knee) is the latest to join the list after a scan on his knee in Sydney on Wednesday.
When it comes to the 15-member squad, the likes of Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams and Sean Abbott have come in as replacements with the squad set to fly to India later this week.
“Selectors felt with three games in six days across three cities – including travel to India and internally – Marsh, Stoinis and Starc are best served remaining in Australia to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” a CA statement said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The absence of Stoinis means that Australia’s latest batting sensation, Tim David, could well make his debut on the India tour. Similarly, Marsh’s absence could see Steve Smith move back up to No.3, while Josh Inglis is likely to open the innings with skipper Aaron Finch as David Warner had already been rested from the India tour.
Australia squad for India tour (Updated):
Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
