T20I series between Australia and New Zealand will begin from 11th February.
Australia named a 16-member squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. The five-match series will begin from 11th February in Sydney followed by the second game at the same venue on 13th February.
The third T20I will be played from 15th February in Oval while the fourth and the fifth game will be played on 18th and 20th February respectively at MCG.
Explosive opener David Warner along with Mitchell Marsh has been rested for the T20I series to prepare themselves for the tour of Pakistan. Head coach Justin Langer will also miss the matches against Sri Lanka. In his absence, Andrew McDonald will be the coach of the side.
The likes of Ben McDermott, Travis Head, Jhye Richardson, and Moises Henriques were named along with players who were part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad.
Ace pacer Josh Hazelwood has also regained his fitness after missing the four matches of Ashes 2021-22 and is part of the squad, which will be led by Aaron Finch.
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Talking about the squad selection, Cricket Australia's chief selector George Bailey said that the series against Sri Lanka will begin their preparation for the T20 World Cup 2022. He added that they’ve given opportunities to several players to impress everyone.
“This squad will begin preparation for the T20 World Cup defense at home later this year and includes several players who have an early chance to impress in these five matches against a quality opposition," George Bailey said.
Talking about his selection Ben McDermott, who won Player of the Tournament in the BBL 11, scoring 577 runs, said that he’s ready to represent Australia now as he feels he’s on the top of his game.
"I don't think that I was ready to play for Australia (before), but I do feel ready now. I feel like I'm at the top of my game,” Ben McDermott said
Here’s Australia’s for the T20I series against Sri Lanka:
Aaron Finch (C), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Josh Inglis (WK), Ben McDermott, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Adam Zampa.
(AFP Inputs)